o say that from that time Maximina in her eyes lost a
large part of her appreciation.

The carpets were laid in their apartments in the Plaza de la Santa Ana,
but as yet there was little furniture; only the dining-room, one
dressing-room, and their chamber were in order, and that not entirely;
chairs were scattered about over the rest of the house, and this and
that wardrobe and mirror were as they had been left.

Nevertheless, Miguel and Maximina found it delightful. At last they were
by themselves and were masters of their own movements; they were
intoxicated with the delight of their freedom. This feeling of being in
his own house was fascinating to Miguel; he looked upon it as something
new and extraordinary.

Maximina wanted to make the bed herself, but alas! the mattress was so
heavy that she could not turn it. Seeing that she was getting flushed
with exertion, Miguel took hold and helped her get it into shape,
laughing heartily all the time, though he could not have told why. Now
it happened that our young couple had forgotten some of the things that
were indispensable for living; among others, the lamps. When darkness
came on, Juana had to go out in all haste to buy candles and a few
candlesticks, so that they could see to eat their supper.

This first meal all to themselves was delicious. Maximina almost always
had a tremendous appetite, which she felt to be a fault, and tried to
hide it, so that she was apt to leave the table, still hungry. But now,
with only her husband present, and thinking that he would not notice it,
she put on her plate as much as she wanted. When they were through,
Miguel said:--

"You have done well! you have eaten much more than you did during the
days that we were at mamma's."

Maximina flushed as though she had been detected in doing something
wrong. Instantly perceiving what was passing through her mind, Miguel
came to her aid:--

"Come now; I see that you did not eat there because you were so
timid.... You must know that nowadays it is considered fashionable to
eat a good deal.... Besides, there is nothing that gives me so much
pleasure as to see any one have a good appetite; especially if I am fond
of that person! Consequently, if you want to give me a pleasure, you
must try to keep it up.... As far as poor stomachs are concerned, mine
is sufficient in one house."

That evening they determined to stay at home; they went from the
dining-room to the library, which as yet w