on't mention it. What other wish could I have than that all the
deputies of the majority were like you!... Don't fail to come and talk
things over with me soon. Though the elections will be postponed a
little, it will be necessary for you to write to the district, and
through the general's mediation come into relationship with some person
of influence there. Don't send out any manifesto. When the occasion
arrives, we will write to the governor. _Adios, senores_; I am so glad
to have made your acquaintance! You must feel assured that I am at your
service. Do not forget me, and be sure to come and see me some time!"

Miguel departed, enthusiastic over his interview. When he was in the
street, he exclaimed:--

"But how cordial the President is! Oftentimes one finds a mere clerk
more puffed up in his office! Still he lets one see the superiority of
persons when it is legitimate. I am not surprised that he has so many
friends, and so firm ones.... How easy it is for a man high in rank to
win friends! Now, here I am! He gives me merely a natural and kindly
welcome, and says a few courteous phrases, and I am ready to die for
him!"

"You must not neglect to write to the general immediately," said
Mendoza, gravely.

"You are a man of ice, Perico! For you there are no friendships nor
hatreds; no men are congenial or antipathetic. From all you take what
you need, and go your way.... Perhaps you are right."

XVIII.

"You aren't vexed with me, Maximina, are you? The idea of leaving you
alone all day!" he said, as he came to his wife's bed.

"Pshaw! If you did so, it must have been for some good reason," replied
she, kissing the hand which was smoothing her cheek.

On the next day they received a call from Aunt Martina and her daughter
Serafina. The worthy lady had grown visibly more feeble. 'Such a life
she led with her husband! Don Bernardo kept growing more and more crazy
with his foolish jealousies!' As she told what went on at home, she wept
aloud.

"After forty years of married life, how could I possibly be unfaithful
to your uncle, Miguel? Don't you think that I have proved that I am
virtuous? And if I had to fall, moreover, it would not be with a
_carcamal_[41] who smells of drugs for a mile! Isn't that so? You
understand!..."

Miguel nodded assent, with difficulty repressing a smile, for it was as
good as a play to find his aunt imagining that any young man would flirt
with her.

"I am an honest woman.