CHAPTERXXVII
ACANON'STORTURE
“Resignation，resignation！“repeatedDonInocencio。
“Resignation，resignation！“repeatedhisniece，dryinghertears。“Ifmydearsonisdoomedtobealwaysabeggar，well，then，beitso。
Lawsuitsarebecomingscarce；thedaywillsooncomewhenthepracticeofthelawwillbethesameasnothing。Whatistheuseofallhistalent?Whatistheuseofhistiringhisbrainwithsomuchstudy?Ah！
Wearepoor。Adaywillcome，SenorDonInocencio，whenmypoorboywillnothaveapillowonwhichtolayhishead。”
“Woman！“
“Man！canyoudenyit?Tellme，then，whatinheritanceareyougoingtoleavehimwhenyoucloseyoureyesonthisworld?Acoupleofrooms，halfadozenbigbooks，poverty，andnothingmore。Whattimesarebeforeus，uncle；whattimes！Mypoorboyisgrowingverydelicateinhishealth，andhewon'tbeabletowork——itmakeshimdizzynowtoreadabook；hegetsaheadacheandnauseawheneverheworksatnight！
Hewillhavetobegapaltrysituation；Ishallhavetotakeinsewing，andwhoknows，whoknowsbutwemayhavetobegourbread！“
“Woman！“
“Oh，IknowverywellwhatIamtalkingabout！Finetimesbeforeus！“
addedtheexcellentwoman，forcingstillmorethelachrymosenoteinherdiatribe。“MyGod！Whatisgoingtobecomeofus?Ah，itisonlyamother'sheartthatcanfeelthesethings！Onlyamotheriscapableofsufferingsomuchanxietyaboutason'swelfare。Howshouldyouunderstandit?No；itisonethingtohavechildrenandtosufferanxietyontheiraccountandanothertosingthe/gorigori/inthecathedralandtoteachLatinintheinstitute。OfgreatuseisitformysontobeyournephewandtohavetakensomanyhonorsandtobetheprideandornamentofOrbajosa。Hewilldieofstarvation，forwealreadyknowwhatlawbrings；orelsehewillhavetoaskthedeputiesforasituationinHavana，wheretheyellowfeverwillkillhim。”
“But，niece——“
“No，Iamnotgrieving，Iamsilentnow；Iwon'tannoyyouanymore。I
amverytroublesome，alwayscryingandsighing；andIamnottobeenduredbecauseIamafondmotherandIwilllookoutforthegoodofmybelovedson。Iwilldie，yes，Iwilldieinsilence，andstiflemygrief。Iwillswallowmytears，inordernottoannoyhisreverencethecanon。Butmyidolizedsonwillcomprehendmeandhewon'tputhishandstohisearsasyouaredoingnow。Woeisme！PoorJacintoknowsthatIwoulddieforhim，andthatIwouldpurchasehishappinessatthesacrificeofmylife。Darlingchildofmysoul！Tobesodeservingandtobeforeverdoomedtomediocrity，toahumblestation，for——don'tgetindignant，uncle——nomatterwhatairsweputon，youwillalwaysbethesonofUncleTinieblas，thesacristanofSanBernardo，andIshallneverbeanythingmorethanthedaughterofIldefonsoTinieblas，yourbrother，whousedtosellcrockery，andmysonwillbethegrandsonoftheTinieblas——forobscurewewereborn，andweshallneveremergefromourobscurity，norownapieceoflandofwhichwecansay，'Thisismine'；norshallIeverplungemyarmsuptotheelbowsinasackofwheatthreshedandwinnowedonourownthreshing-floor——allbecauseofyourcowardice，yourfolly，yoursoft-heartedness。”
“But——but，niece！“
Thecanon'svoicerosehighereverytimeherepeatedthisphrase，and，withhishandstohisears，heshookhisheadfromsidetosidewithalookofmingledgriefanddesperation。TheshrillcomplaintofMariaRemediosgrewconstantlyshriller，andpiercedthebrainoftheunhappyandnowdazedpriestlikeanarrow。Butallatoncethewoman'sfacebecametransformed；herplaintivewailwaschangedtoahard，shrillscream；sheturnedpale，herlipstrembled，sheclenchedherhands，afewlocksofherdisorderedhairfelloverherforehead，hereyesglittered，driedbytheheatoftheangerthatglowedinherbreast；
sherosefromherseatand，notlikeawoman，butlikeaharpy，cried:
“Iamgoingawayfromhere！Iamgoingawayfromherewithmyson！WewillgotoMadrid；Idon'twantmysontofrethimselftodeathinthismiserabletown！Iamtirednowofseeingthatmyson，undertheprotectionofthecassock，neitherisnoreverwillbeanything。Doyouhear，myreverenduncle?MysonandIaregoingaway！Youwillneverseeusagain——never！“
DonInocenciohadclaspedhishandsandwasreceivingthethunderboltsofhisniece'swrathwiththeconsternationofacriminalwhomthepresenceoftheexecutionerhasdeprivedofhislasthope。
“InHeaven'sname，Remedios，“hemurmured，inapainedvoice；“inthenameoftheHolyVirgin——“
Thesefitsofrangeofhisniece，whowasusuallysomeek，wereasviolentastheywererare，andfiveorsixyearswouldsometimespasswithoutDonInocencioseeingRemediostransformedintoafury。
“Iamamother！Iamamother！andsincenooneelsewilllookoutformyson，Iwilllookoutforhimmyself！“roaredtheimprovisedlioness。
“InthenameoftheVirgin，niece，don'tletyourpassiongetthebestofyou！Rememberthatyouarecommittingasin。LetussaytheLord'sPrayerandanAveMaria，andyouwillseethatthiswillpassaway。”
AshesaidthisthePenitentiarytrembled，andtheperspirationstoodonhisforehead。Poordoveinthetalonsofthevulture！Thefuriouswomancompletedhisdiscomfiturewiththesewords:
“Youaregoodfornothing；youareapoltroon！MysonandIwillgoawayfromthisplaceforever，forever！Iwillgetapositionformyson，Iwillfindhimagoodposition，doyouunderstand?JustasI
wouldbewillingtosweepthestreetswithmytongueifIcouldgainalivingforhiminnootherway，soIwillmoveheavenandearthtofindapositionformyboyinorderthathemayriseintheworldandberich，andapersonofconsequence，andagentleman，andalordandgreat，andallthatthereistobe——all，all！“
“Heavenprotectme！“criedDonInocencio，sinkingintoachairandlettinghisheadfallonhisbreast。
Therewasapauseduringwhichtheagitatedbreathingofthefuriouswomancouldbeheard。
“Niece，“saidDonInocencioatlast，“youhaveshortenedmylifebytenyears；youhavesetmybloodonfire；youhaveputmebesidemyself。
GodgivemethecalmnessthatIneedtobearwithyou！Lord，patience——
patienceiswhatIask。Andyou，niece，domethefavortosighandcrytoyourheart'scontentforthenexttenyears；foryourconfoundedmaniaofsniveling，greatlyasitannoysme，ispreferabletothesemadfitsofrage。IfIdidnotknowthatyouaregoodatheart——Well，foronewhoconfessedandreceivedcommunionthismorningyouarebehaving——“
“Yes，butyouarethecauseofit——you！“
“BecauseinthematterofRosarioandJacintoIsaytoyou，resignation?“
“BecausewheneverythingisgoingonwellyouturnbackandallowSenordeReytogetpossessionofRosario。”
“AndhowamIgoingtopreventit?DonaPerfectaisrightinsayingthatyouhaveanunderstandingofbrick。Doyouwantmetogoaboutthetownwithasword，andinthetwinklingofaneyetomakemincemeatofthewholeregiment，andthenconfrontReyandsaytohim，'LeavethegirlinpeaceorIwillcutyourthroat'?“
“No，butwhenIadvisedthesenoratogivehernephewafright，youopposedmyadvice，insteadofsupportingit。”
“Youarecrazywithyourtalkaboutafright。”
“Becausewhenthedogisdeadthemadnessisatanend。”
“Icannotadvisewhatyoucallafright，andwhatmightbeaterriblething。”
“Yes；becauseIamacut-throat，amInot，uncle?“
“Youknowthatpracticaljokesarevulgar。Besides，doyousupposethatmanwouldallowhimselftobeinsulted?Andhisfriends?“
“Atnighthegoesoutalone。”
“Howdoyouknowthat?“
“Iknoweverything；hedoesnottakeastepthatIamnotawareof；doyouunderstand?ThewidowDeCuzcokeepsmeinformedofeverything。”
“There，don'tsetmecrazy。Andwhoisgoingtogivehimthatfright?
Letushear。”
“Caballuco。”
“Sothatheisdisposed——“
“No，buthewillbeifyoucommandhim。”
“Come，niece，leavemeinpeace。Icannotcommandsuchanatrocity。A
fright！Andwhatisthat?Haveyouspokentohimalready?“
“Yes，senor；buthepaidnoattentiontome，orratherherefused。
ThereareonlytwopeopleinOrbajosawhocanmakehimdowhattheywishbyasimpleorder——youandDonaPerfecta。”
“LetDonaPerfectaorderhimtodoitifshewishes，then。Iwillneveradvisetheemploymentofviolentandbrutalmeasures。WillyoubelievethatwhenCaballucoandsomeofhisfollowersweretalkingofrisingupinarmstheycouldnotdrawasinglewordfrommeincitingthemtobloodshed。No，notthat。IfDonaPerfectawishestodoit——“
“Shewillnotdoit，either。Italkedwithherfortwohoursthisafternoonandshesaidthatshewouldpreachwar，andhelpitbyeverymeansinherpower；butthatshewouldnotbidonemanstabanotherintheback。Shewouldberightinopposingitifanythingseriouswereintended，butIdon'twantanywounds；allIwantistogivehimafright。”
“Well，ifDonaPerfectadoesn'twanttoorderafrighttobegiventotheengineer，Idon'teither，doyouunderstand?Myconscienceisbeforeeverything。”
“Verywell，“returnedhisniece。“TellCaballucotocomewithmeto-night——thatisallyouneedsaytohim。”
“Areyougoingoutto-night?“
“Yes，senor，Iamgoingout。Why，didn'tIgooutlastnighttoo?“
“Lastnight?Ididn'tknowit；ifIhadknownitIshouldhavebeenangry；yes，senora。”
“AllyouhavetosaytoCaballucoisthis:'MydearRamos，Iwillbegreatlyobligedtoyouifyouwillaccompanymynieceonanerrandwhichshehastodoto-night，andifyouwillprotecther，ifsheshouldchancetobeinanydanger。'“
“Icandothat。Toaccompanyyou，toprotectyou。Ah，rogue！youwanttodeceivemeandmakemeyouraccompliceinsomepieceofvillany。”
“Ofcourse——whatdoyousuppose?“saidMariaRemediosironically。
“BetweenRamosandmewearegoingtoslaughteragreatmanypeopleto-night。”
“Don'tjest！ItellyouagainthatIwillnotadviseRamostodoanythingthathastheappearanceofevil——Ithinkheisoutside。”
Anoiseatthestreet-doorwasheard，thenthevoiceofCaballucospeakingtotheservant，andalittlelatertheheroofOrbajosaenteredtheroom。
“Whatisthenews?Giveusthenews，SenorRamos，“saidthepriest。
“Come！Ifyoudon'tgiveussomehopeinexchangeforyoursupperandourhospitality——WhatisgoingoninVillahorrenda?“
“Something，“answeredthebravo，seatinghimselfwithsignsoffatigue。
“Youshallsoonseewhetherwearegoodforanythingornot。”
Likeallpersonswhowishtomakethemselvesappearimportant，Caballucomadeashowofgreatreserve。
“To-night，myfriend，youshalltakewithyou，ifyouwish，themoneytheyhavegivenmefor——“
“Thereisgoodneedofit。Ifthesoldiersshouldgetscentofit，however，theywon'tletmepass，“saidRamos，withabrutallaugh。
“Holdyourtongue，man。Weknowalreadythatyoupasswheneveryouplease。Why，thatwouldbeaprettything！Thesoldiersarenotstrait-
lacedgentry，andiftheyshouldbecometroublesome，withacoupleofdollars，eh?Come，Iseethatyouarenotbadlyarmed。Allyouwantnowisaneight-pounder。Pistols，eh?Andadaggertoo。”
“Foranythingthatmighthappen，“saidCaballuco，takingtheweaponfromhisbeltanddisplayingitshorribleblade。
“InthenameofGodandoftheVirgin！“exclaimedMariaRemedios，closinghereyesandturningherfaceinterror，“putawaythatthing。
Theverysightofitterrifiesme。”
“Ifyouwon'ttakeitillofme，“saidRamos，shuttingtheweapon，“letushavesupper。”
MariaRemediospreparedeverythingquickly，inorderthattheheromightnotbecomeimpatient。
“Listentomeamoment，SenorRamos，“saidDonInocenciotohisguest，whentheyhadsatdowntosupper。“Haveyouagreatdealtodoto-night?“
“Somethingthereistobedone，“respondedthebravo。“ThisisthelastnightIshallcometoOrbajosa——thelast。Ihavetolookupsomeboyswhoremainedinthetown，andwearegoingtoseehowwecangetpossessionofthesaltpetreandthesulphurthatareinthehouseofCirujeda。”
“Iaskedyou，“saidthecurateamiably，fillinghisfriend'splate，“becausemyniecewishesyoutoaccompanyherashortdistance。Shehassomebusinessorothertoattendto，anditisalittlelatetobeoutalone。”
“IsshegoingtoDonaPerfecta's?“askedRamos。“Iwasthereafewmomentsago，butIdidnotwanttomakeanydelay。”
“Howisthesenora?“
“Alittlefrightened。To-nightItookawaythesixyoungmenIhadinthehouse。”
“Why！don'tyouthinktheywillbewantedthere?“saidRemedios，withalarm。
“TheyarewantedmoreinVillahorrenda。Bravemenchafeatbeingkeptinthehouse；isitnotso，SenorCanon?“
“SenorRamos，thathouseoughtnottobeleftunprotected，“saidthePenitentiary。
“Theservantsareenough，andmorethanenough。Butdoyousuppose，SenorDonInocencio，thatthebrigadieremployshimselfinattackingthepeople'shouses?“
“Yes，butyouknowverywellthatthatdiabolicalengineer——“
“Forthat——therearenotwantingbroomsinthehouse，“saidCristobaljovially。“Forintheend，therewillbenohelpforitbuttomarrythem。Afterwhathaspassed——“
“SenorRamos，“saidRemedios，withsuddenanger，“Iimaginethatallyouknowaboutmarryingpeopleisverylittle。”
“Isaythatbecausealittlewhileago，whenIwasatthehouse，themotheranddaughterseemedtobehavingasortofreconciliation。DonaPerfectawaskissingRosaritooverandoveragain，andtherewasnoendtotheircaressesandendearments。”
“Reconciliation！Withallthesepreparationsforthewaryouhavelostyoursenses。But，finally，areyoucomingwithmeornot?“
“ItisnottoDonaPerfecta'sshewantstogo，“saidthepriest，“buttothehotelofthewidowDeCuzco。Shewassayingthatshedoesnotdaretogoalone，becausesheisafraidofbeinginsulted。”
“Bywhom?“
“Itiseasilyunderstood。Bythatinfernalengineer。Lastnightmyniecemethimthere，andshegavehimsomeplaintalk；andforthatreasonsheisnotaltogethereasyinhermindto-night。Theyoungfellowisrevengefulandinsolent。”
“Idon'tknowwhetherIcango，“saidCaballuco。“AsIaminhidingnowIcannotmeasuremystrengthagainstDonJosePoquitaCosa。IfIwerenotasIam——withhalfmyfacehidden，andtheotherhalfuncovered——I
wouldhavebrokenhisbackforhimalreadytwentytimesover。ButwhathappensifIattackhim?HediscoverswhoIam，hefallsuponmewiththesoldiers，andgood-byetoCaballuco。Asforgivinghimatreacherousblow，thatissomethingIcouldn'tdo；norwouldDonaPerfectaconsenttoit，either。ForastabinthedarkCristobalRamosisnottheman。”
“Butareyoucrazy，man?Whatareyouthinkingabout?“saidthePenitentiary，withunmistakablesignsofastonishment。“NoteveninthoughtwouldIadviseyoutodoaninjurytothatgentleman。IwouldcutmytongueoutbeforeIwouldadvisesuchapieceofvillany。Thewickedwillfall，itistrue；butitisGodwhowillfixthemoment，notI。Andthequestionisnottogiveabeating，either。IwouldratherreceiveahundredblowsmyselfthanadvisetheadministrationofsuchamedicinetoanyChristian。OnethingonlywillIsaytoyou，“heended，lookingatthebravooverhisspectacles，“andthatis，thatasmynieceisgoingthere；andasitisprobable，veryprobable，isitnot，Remedios?thatshemayhavetosayafewplainwordstothatman，Irecommendyounottoleaveherunprotected，incasesheshouldbeinsulted。”
“Ihavesomethingtodoto-night，“answeredCaballuco，laconicallyanddryly。
“Youhearwhathesays，Remedios。Leaveyourbusinessforto-morrow。”
“Ican'tdothat。Iwillgoalone。”
“No，youshallnotgoalone，niece。Nowletushearnomoreaboutthematter。SenorRamoshassomethingtodo，andhecannotaccompanyyou。
Fancyifyouweretobeinsultedbythatrudeman！“
“Insulted！Aladyinsultedbythatfellow！“exclaimedCaballuco。“Comethatmustnotbe。”
“Ifyouhadnotsomethingtodo——bah！Ishouldbequiteeasyinmymind，then。”
“Ihavesomethingtodo，“saidtheCentaur，risingfromthetable，“butifyouwishit——“
Therewasapause。ThePenitentiaryhadclosedhiseyesandwasmeditating。
“Iwishit，SenorRamos，“hesaidatlast。
“Thereisnomoretobesaidthen。Letusgo，SenoraDonaMaria。”
“Now，mydearniece，“saidDonInocencio，halfseriously，halfjestingly，“sincewehavefinishedsupperbringmethebasin。”
Hegavehisnieceapenetratingglance，andaccompanyingitwiththecorrespondingaction，pronouncedthesewords:
“Iwashmyhandsofthematter。”
CHAPTERXXVIII
FROMPEPEREYTODONJUANREY
“ORBAJOSA，April12。
“MYDEARFATHER:
“ForgivemeifforthefirsttimeinmylifeIdisobeyyouinrefusingtoleavethisplaceortorenouncemyproject。Youradviceandyourentreatyarewhatweretobeexpectedfromakind，goodfather。Myobstinacyisnaturalinaninsensateson；butsomethingstrangeistakingplacewithinme；obstinacyandhonorhavebecomesoblendedandconfoundedinmymindthatthebareideaofdesistingfrommypurposemakesmeashamed。Ihavechangedgreatly。Thefitsofragethatagitatemenowwereformerlyunknowntome。Iregardedtheviolentacts，theexaggeratedexpressionsofhot-temperedandimpetuousmenwiththesamescornasthebrutalactionsofthewicked。Nothingofthiskindsurprisesmeanylonger，forinmyselfIfindatalltimesacertainterriblecapacityforwickedness。IcanspeaktoyouasIwouldspeaktoGodandtomyconscience；IcantellyouthatIamawretch，forheisawretchwhoiswantinginthatpowerfulmoralforcewhichenableshimtochastisehispassionsandsubmithislifetothesternruleofconscience。IhavebeenwantingintheChristianfortitudewhichexaltsthespiritofthemanwhoisoffendedabovetheoffenceswhichhereceivesandtheenemiesfromwhomhereceivesthem。Ihavehadtheweaknesstoabandonmyselftoamadfury，puttingmyselfonalevelwithmydetractors，returningthemblowforblow，andendeavoringtoconfoundthembymethodslearnedintheirownbaseschool。HowdeeplyI
regretthatyouwerenotatmysidetoturnmefromthispath！Itisnowtoolate。Thepassionswillnotbrookdelay。Theyareimpatient，anddemandtheirpreywithcriesandwiththeconvulsiveeagernessofafiercemoralthirst。Ihavesuccumbed。Icannotforgetwhatyousooftensaidtome，thatangermaybecalledtheworstofthepassions，since，suddenlytransformingthecharacter，itengendersalltheothers，andlendstoeachitsowninfernalfire。
“ButitisnotangeralonethathasbroughtmetothestateofmindwhichIhavedescribed。Amoreexpansiveandnoblesentiment——theprofoundandardentlovewhichIhaveformycousin，hasalsocontributedtoit，andthisistheonethingthatabsolvesmeinmyownestimation。Butiflovehadnotdoneso，pitywouldhaveimpelledmetobravethefuryandtheintriguesofyourterriblesister；forpoorRosario，placedbetweenanirresistibleaffectionandhermother，isatthepresentmomentoneofthemostunhappybeingsonthefaceoftheearth。Thelovewhichshehasforme，andwhichrespondstomine——doesitnotgivemetherighttoopen，inwhateverwayIcan，thedoorsofherhouseandtakeheroutofit；employingthelaw，asfarasthelawreaches，andusingforceatthepointwherethelawceasestosupportme?Ithinkthatyourrigidmoralscrupulositywillnotgiveanaffirmativeanswertothisquestion；butIhaveceasedtobetheuprightandmethodicalcharacterwhoseconsciencewasinexactconformitywiththedictatesofthemorallaw。Iamnolongerthemanwhomanalmostperfecteducationenabledtokeephisemotionsunderstrictcontrol。To-dayIamamanlikeothermen；atasinglestepI
havecrossedthelinewhichseparatesthejustandthegoodfromtheunjustandthewicked。Prepareyourselftohearofsomedreadfulactcommittedbyme。Iwilltakecaretonotifyyouofallmymisdeeds。
“Buttheconfessionofmyfaultswillnotrelievemefromtheresponsibilityoftheseriousoccurrenceswhichhavetakenplaceandwhicharetakingplace，norwillthisresponsibility，nomatterhowmuchImayargue，fallaltogetheronyoursister。DonaPerfecta'sresponsibilityiscertainlyverygreat。Whatwillbetheextentofmine！Ah，dearfather！believenothingofwhatyouhearaboutme；
believeonlywhatIshalltellyou。IftheytellyouthatIhavecommittedadeliberatepieceofvillany，answerthatitisalie。Itisdifficult，verydifficult，formetojudgemyself，inthestateofdisquietudeinwhichIam，butIdareassureyouthatIhavenotdeliberatelygivencauseforscandal。Youknowwelltowhatextremespassioncanleadwhencircumstancesfavoritsfierce，itsall-invadinggrowth。
“Whatismostbittertomeisthethoughtofhavingemployedartifice，deceit，andbaseconcealments——Iwhowastruthitself。Iamhumiliatedinmyownestimation。Butisthisthegreatestperversityintowhichthesoulcanfall?AmIbeginningnow，orhaveIended?Icannottell。
IfRosariowithherangelichanddoesnottakemeoutofthishellofmyconscience，Idesirethatyoushouldcometotakemeoutofit。Mycousinisanangel，andsuffering，asshehasdone，formysake，shehastaughtmeagreatmanythingsthatIdidnotknowbefore。
“DonotbesurprisedattheincoherenceofwhatIwrite。Diverseemotionsinflameme；thoughtsattimesassailmetrulyworthyofmyimmortalsoul；butattimesalsoIfallintoalamentablestateofdejection，andIamremindedoftheweakanddegeneratecharacterswhosebasenessyouhavepaintedtomeinsuchstrongcolors，inorderthatImightabhorthem。InthestateinwhichIamto-dayIamreadyforgoodorforevil。Godhavepityuponme！Ialreadyknowwhatprayeris——asolemnandreflexivesupplication，sopersonalthatitisnotcompatiblewithformulaslearnedbyheart；anexpansionofthesoulwhichdarestoreachouttowarditssource；theoppositeofremorse，inwhichthesoul，atwarwithitself，seeksinvaintodefenditselfbysophismsandconcealments。Youhavetaughtmemanygoodthings，butnowIampractising；asweengineerssay，Iamstudyingontheground；andinthiswaymyknowledgewillbecomebroadenedandconfirmed。IbegintoimaginenowthatIamnotsowickedasImyselfbelieve。AmIright?
“Iendthisletterinhaste。ImustsenditwithsomesoldierswhoaregoinginthedirectionofthestationatVillahorrenda，forthepost-
officeofthisplaceisnottobetrusted。”
“APRIL14。
“Itwouldamuseyou，dearfather，ifIcouldmakeyouunderstandtheideasofthepeopleofthiswretchedtown。Youknowalreadythatalmostallthecountryisupinarms。Itwasathingtobeanticipated，andthepoliticiansaremistakeniftheyimaginethatitwillbeoverinacoupleofdays。HostilitytousandtotheGovernmentisinnateintheOrbajosan'smind，andformsapartofitasmuchashisreligiousfaith。Confiningmyselftotheparticularquestionwithmyaunt，Iwilltellyouasingularthing——thepoorlady，whoispenetratedbythespiritoffeudalismtothemarrowofherbones，hastakenitintoherheadthatIamgoingtoattackherhouseandcarryoffherdaughter，asthegentlemenoftheMiddleAgesattackedanenemy'scastletoconsummatesomeoutrage。Don'tlaugh，foritisthetruth——sucharetheideasofthesepeople。Ineednottellyouthatsheregardsmeasamonster，asasortofhereticMoorishking，andoftheofficersherewhoaremyfriendsshehasnobetteropinion。InDonaPerfecta'shouseitisamatteroffirmbeliefthatthearmyandIhaveformedadiabolicalandanti-religiouscoalitiontorobOrbajosaofitstreasures，itsfaith，anditsmaidens。IamsurethatyoursisterfirmlybelievesthatIamgoingtotakeherhousebyassault，andthereisnotadoubtbutthatbehindthedoorsomebarricadehasbeenerected。
“Butitcouldnotbeotherwise。Heretheyhavethemostantiquatedideasrespectingsociety，religion，thestate，property。ThereligiousexaltationwhichimpelsthemtoemployforceagainsttheGovernment，todefendafaithwhichnoonehasattacked，andwhich，besides，theydonotpossess，revivesintheirmindthefeudalsentiment；andastheywouldsettleeveryquestionbybruteforce，withtheswordandwithfire，killingallwhodonotthinkastheydo，theybelievethatnooneintheworldemploysothermethods。
“Farfromintendingtoperformquixoticdeedsinthislady'shouse，I
haveinrealitysavedhersomeannoyancesfromwhichtherestofthetownhavenotescaped。Owingtomyfriendshipwiththebrigadiershehasnotbeenobligedtopresent，aswasordered，alistofthoseofthemeninherservicewhohavejoinedtheinsurgents；andifherhousewassearchedIhavecertainknowledgethatitwasonlyforform'ssake；andifthesixmenthereweredisarmed，theyhavebeenreplacedbysixothers，andnothinghasbeendonetoher。Youseetowhatmyhostilitytothatladyisreduced。
“ItistruethatIhavethesupportofthemilitarychiefs，butImakeuseofitsolelytoescapebeinginsultedorill-usedbytheseimplacablepeople。Theprobabilitiesofmysuccessconsistinthefactthattheauthoritiesrecentlyappointedbythecommanderofthebrigadeareallmyfriends。Iderivefromthemthemoralforcewhichenablesmetointimidatethesepeople。Idon'tknowwhetherIshallfindmyselfcompelledtocommitsomeviolentaction；butdon'tbealarmed，fortheassaultandthetakingofthehouseisaltogetherawild，feudalideaofyoursister。Chancehasplacedmeinanadvantageousposition。Rage，thepassionthatburnswithinme，willimpelmetoprofitbyit。I
don'tknowhowfarImaygo。”
“APRIL17。
“Yourletterhasgivenmegreatconsolation。Yes；Icanattainmyobject，employingonlytheresourcesofthelaw，whichwillbecompletelyeffectualforit。Ihaveconsultedtheauthoritiesofthisplace，andtheyallapproveofthecourseyouindicate。Iamverygladofit。SinceIhaveputintomycousin'smindtheideaofdisobedience，letitatleastbeundertheprotectionofthelaw。Iwilldowhatyoubidme，thatistosayIwillrenouncethesomewhatunworthycollaborationofPinzon；IwillbreakuptheterrorizingsolidaritywhichIestablishedwiththesoldiers；IwillceasetomakeadisplayofthepowerIderivedfromthem；Iwillhavedonewithadventures，andatthefittingmomentIwillactwithcalmness，prudence，andallthebenignitypossible。Itisbetterso。Mycoalition，half-serious，half-
jesting，withthearmy，hadforitsobjecttoprotectmeagainsttheviolenceoftheOrbajosansandoftheservantsandtherelationsofmyaunt。Fortherest，Ihavealwaysdisapprovedoftheideaofwhatwecallarmedintervention。
“Thefriendwhoaidedmehasbeenobligedtoleavethehouse；butIamnotentirelycutofffromcommunicationwithmycousin。Thepoorgirlshowsheroicvalorinthemidstofhersufferings，andwillobeymeblindly。
“Setyourmindatrestaboutmypersonalsafety。Formypart，IhavenofearandIamquitetranquil。”
“APRIL20。
“To-dayIcanwriteonlyafewlines。Ihaveagreatdealtodo。Allwillbeendedwithintwoorthreedays。Don'twritetomeagaintothismiserabletown。Ishallsoonhavethehappinessofembracingyou。
“PEPE。”
CHAPTERXXIX
FROMPEPEREYTOROSARITOPOLENTINOS
“GiveEstebanillothekeyofthegardenandchargehimtotakecareaboutthedog。Theboyismine，bodyandsoul。Fearnothing！Ishallbeverysorryifyoucannotcomedownstairsasyoudidtheothernight。
Doallyoucantomanageit。Iwillbeinthegardenalittleaftermidnight。IwillthentellyouwhatcourseIhavedecidedupon，andwhatyouaretodo。Tranquillizeyourmind，mydeargirl，forIhaveabandonedallimprudentorviolentexpedients。IwilltellyoueverythingwhenIseeyou。Thereismuchtotell；anditmustbespoken，notwritten。Icanpicturetomyselfyourterrorandanxietyatthethoughtofmybeingsonearyou。ButitisaweeksinceIhaveseenyou。Ihaveswornthatthisseparationfromyoushallsoonbeended，anditwillbeended。MyhearttellsmethatIshallseeyou。IswearthatIwillseeyou。”
CHAPTERXXX
BEATINGUPTHEGAME
AmanandawomanenteredthehotelofthewidowDeCuzcoalittleafterteno'clock，andleftitathalf-pasteleven。
“Now，SenoraDonaMaria，“saidtheman，“Iwilltakeyoutoyourhouse，forIhavesomethingtodo。”
“Wait，SenorRamos，fortheloveofGod！“sheanswered。“Whydon'twegototheCasinotoseeifhecomesout?YouheardjustnowthatEstebanillo，theboythatworksinthegarden，wastalkingwithhimthisafternoon。”
“ButareyoulookingforDonJose?“askedtheCentaur，withill-humor。
“Whathavewetodowithhim?ThecourtshipwithDonaRosarioendedasitwasboundtoend，andnowthereisnothingforitbutformymothertomarrythem。Thatismyopinion。”
“Youareafool！“saidRemediosangrily。
“Senora，Iamgoing。”
“Why，yourudeman，areyougoingtoleavemealoneinthestreet?“
“Yes，senora，unlessyougohomeatonce。”
“That'sright——leavemealone，exposedtobeinsulted！Listentome，SenorRamos。DonJosewillcomeoutoftheCasinoinamoment，asusual。Iwanttoseewhetherhegoesintohishotelorgoespastit。Itisafancyofmine，onlyafancy。”
“WhatIknowisthatIhavesomethingtodo，andthatitisneartwelveo'clock。”
“Silence！“saidRemedios。“Letushideourselvesaroundthecorner。A
maniscomingdowntheCalledelaTriperiaAlta。Itishe！“
“DonJose！Iknowhimbyhiswalk。”
“Letusfollowhim，“saidMariaRemedioswithanxiety。“Letusfollowhimatalittledistance，Ramos。”
“Senora——“
“Onlyaminute，then，DonaRemedios。AfterthatImustgo。”
Theywalkedonaboutthirtypaces，keepingatamoderatedistancebehindthemantheywerewatching。ThePenitentiary'sniecestoppedthenandsaid:
“Heisnotgoingintohishotel。”
“Hemaybegoingtothebrigadier's。”
“Thebrigadierlivesupthestreet，andDonPepeisgoingdowninthedirectionofthesenora'shouse。”
“Ofthesenora'shouse！“exclaimedCaballuco，quickeninghissteps。
Buttheyweremistaken。ThemanwhomtheywerewatchingpassedthehouseofPolentinosandwalkedon。
“Doyouseethatyouwerewrong?“
“SenorRamos，letusfollowhim！“saidRemedios，pressingtheCentaur'shandconvulsively。“Ihaveaforeboding。”
“Weshallsoonknow，forweareneartheendofthetown。”
“Don'tgosofast——hemayseeus。ItisasIthought，SenorRamos；heisgoingintothegardenbythecondemneddoor。”
“Senora，youhavelostyoursenses！“
“Comeon，andweshallsee。”
Thenightwasdark，andthewatcherscouldnottellpreciselyatwhatpointSenordeReyhadentered；butagratingofrustyhingeswhichtheyheard，andthecircumstanceofnotmeetingtheyoungmaninthewholelengthofthegardenwall，convincedthemthathehadenteredthegarden。Caballucolookedathiscompanionwithstupefaction。Heseemedbewildered。
“Whatareyouthinkingabout?Doyoustilldoubt?“
“WhatoughtItodo?“askedthebravo，coveredwithconfusion。“Shallwegivehimafright?Idon'tknowwhatthesenorawouldthinkaboutit。IsaythatbecauseIwasatherhousethisevening，anditseemedtomethatthemotheranddaughterhadbecomereconciled。”
“Don'tbeafool！Whydon'tyougoin?“
“NowIrememberthatthearmedmenarenotthere；Itoldthemtoleavethisevening。”
“Andthisblockofmarblestilldoubtswhatheoughttodo！Ramos，gointothegardenanddon'tbeacoward。”
“HowcanIgoinifthedoorisclosed?“
“Getoverthewall。Whatasnail！IfIwereaman——“
“Well，then，up！Therearesomebrokenbricksherewheretheboysclimboverthewalltostealthefruit。”
“Upquickly！Iwillgoandknockatthefrontdoortowakenthesenora，ifsheshouldbeasleep。”
TheCentaurclimbedup，notwithoutdifficulty。Hesatastrideonthewallforaninstant，andthendisappearedamongthedarkfoliageofthetrees。MariaRemediosrandesperatelytowardtheCalledelCondestable，and，seizingtheknockerofthefrontdoor，knocked——knockedthreetimeswithallherheartandsoul。
CHAPTERXXXI
DONAPERFECTA
SeewithwhattranquillitySenoraDonaPerfectapursuesheroccupationofwriting。Enterherroom，and，notwithstandingthelatenessofthehour，youwillsurpriseherbusilyengaged，herminddividedbetweenmeditationandthewritingofseverallongandcarefullywordedepistlestracedwithafirmhand，everyhair-strokeofeveryletterinwhichiscorrectlyformed。Thelightofthelampfallsfulluponherfaceandbustandhands，itsshadeleavingtherestofherpersonandalmostthewholeoftheroominasoftshadow。Sheseemslikealuminousfigureevokedbytheimaginationfromamidthevagueshadowsoffear。
Itisstrangethatweshouldnothavemadebeforethisaveryimportantstatement，whichisthatDonaPerfectawashandsome，orratherthatshewasstillhandsome，herfacepreservingtheremainsofformerbeauty。
Thelifeofthecountry，hertotallackofvanity，herdisregardfordressandpersonaladornment，herhatredoffashion，hercontemptforthevanitiesofthecapital，wereallcauseswhyhernativebeautydidnotshineorshoneverylittle。Theintenseshallownessofhercomplexion，indicatingaverybiliousconstitution，stillfurtherimpairedherbeauty。
Hereyesblackandwell-opened，hernosefinelyanddelicatelyshaped，herforeheadbroadandsmooth，shewasconsideredbyallwhosawherasafinishedtypeofthehumanfigure；butthererestedonthosefeaturesacertainhardandproudexpressionwhichexcitedafeelingofantipathy。Assomepersons，althoughugly，attract；DonaPerfectarepelled。Herglance，evenwhenaccompaniedbyamiablewords，placedbetweenherselfandthosewhowerestrangerstohertheimpassabledistanceofamistrustfulrespect；butforthoseofherhouse——thatistosay，forherrelations，admirers，andallies——shepossessedasingularattraction。Shewasamistressingoverning，andnoonecouldequalherintheartofadaptingherlanguagetothepersonwhomshewasaddressing。
Herbilioustemperamentandanexcessiveassociationwithdevoutpersonsandthings，whichexcitedherimaginationwithoutobjectorresult，hadagedherprematurely，andalthoughshewasstillyoungshedidnotseemso。Itmightbesaidofherthatwithherhabitsandmanneroflifeshehadwroughtasortofrind，astony，insensiblecoveringwithinwhichsheshutherself，likethesnailwithinhisportablehouse。DonaPerfectararelycameoutofhershell。
Herirreproachablehabits，andthatoutwardamiabilitywhichwehaveobservedinherfromthemomentofherappearanceinourstory，werethecausesofthegreatprestigewhichsheenjoyedinOrbajosa。Shekeptuprelations，besides，withsomeexcellentladiesinMadrid，anditwasthroughtheirmeansthatsheobtainedthedismissalofhernephew。Atthemomentwhichwehavenowarrivedinourstory，wefindherseatedatherdesk，whichisthesoleconfidantofherplansandthedepositoryofhernumericalaccountswiththepeasants，andofhermoralaccountswithGodandwithsociety。Thereshewrotetheletterswhichherbrotherreceivedeverythreemonths；thereshecomposedthenotesthatincitedthejudgeandthenotarytoembroilPepeReyinlawsuits；thereshepreparedtheplotthroughwhichthelatterlosttheconfidenceoftheGovernment；theresheheldlongconferenceswithDonInocencio。Tobecomeacquaintedwiththesceneofothersofheractionswhoseeffectswehaveobserved，itwouldbenecessarytofollowhertotheepiscopalpalaceandtothehousesofvariousofherfriends。
WedonotknowwhatDonaPerfectawouldhavebeen，loving。Hating，shehadthefieryvehemenceofanangelofhatredanddiscordamongmen。
Suchistheeffectproducedonacharacternaturallyhard，andwithoutinborngoodness，byreligiousexaltation，whenthis，insteadofdrawingitsnourishmentfromconscienceandfromtruthrevealedinprinciplesassimpleastheyarebeautiful，seeksitssapinnarrowformulasdictatedsolelybyecclesiasticalinterests。Inorderthatreligiousfanaticismshouldbeinoffensive，theheartinwhichitexistsmustbeverypure。Itistruethateveninthatcaseitisunproductiveofgood。ButtheheartsthathavebeenbornwithouttheseraphicpuritywhichestablishesaprematureLimboontheearth，arecarefulnottobecomegreatlyinflamedwithwhattheyseeinretables，inchoirs，inlocutoriesandsacristies，unlesstheyhavefirsterectedintheirownconsciencesanaltar，apulpit，andaconfessional。
DonaPerfectaleftherwritingfromtimetotime，togointotheadjoiningroomwhereherdaughterwas。Rosaritohadbeenorderedtosleep，but，alreadyprecipitateddowntheprecipiceofdisobedience，shewasawake。
“Whydon'tyousleep?“hermotheraskedher。“Idon'tintendtogotobedto-night。YouknowalreadythatCaballucohastakenawaywithhimthemenwehadhere。Somethingmighthappen，andIwillkeepwatch。IfIdidnotwatchwhatwouldbecomeofusboth?“
“Whattimeisit?“askedthegirl。
“Itwillsoonbemidnight。Perhapsyouarenotafraid，butIam。”
Rosaritowastrembling，andeverythingaboutherdenotedthekeenestanxiety。Sheliftedhereyestoheavensupplicatingly，andthenturnedthemonhermotherwithalookoftheutmostterror。
“Why，whatisthematterwithyou?“
“Didyounotsayitwasmidnight?“
“Yes。”
“Then——Butisitalreadymidnight?“
Rosariomadeanefforttospeak，thenshookherhead，onwhichtheweightofaworldwaspressing。
“Somethingisthematterwithyou；youhavesomethingonyourmind，“
saidhermother，fixingonherdaughterherpenetratingeyes。
“Yes——Iwantedtotellyou，“stammeredthegirl，“Iwantedtosay——
Nothing，nothing，Iwillgotosleep。”
“Rosario，Rosario！yourmothercanreadyourheartlikeanopenbook，“
exclaimedDonaPerfectawithseverity。“Youareagitated。IhavetoldyoualreadythatIamwillingtopardonyouifyouwillrepent；ifyouareagoodandsensiblegirl。”
“Why，amInotgood?Ah，mamma，mamma！Iamdying！“
Rosarioburstintoafloodofbitteranddisconsolatetears。
“Whatarethesetearsabout?“saidhermother，embracingher。“Iftheyaretearsofrepentance，blessedbethey。”
“Idon'trepent，Ican'trepent！“criedthegirl，inaburstofsublimedespair。
Sheliftedherheadandinherfacewasdepictedasuddeninspiredstrength。Herhairfellindisorderoverhershoulders。Neverwasthereseenamorebeautifulimageofarebelliousangel。
“Whatisthis?Haveyoulostyoursenses?“saidDonaPerfecta，layingbothherhandsonherdaughter'sshoulders。
“Iamgoingaway，Iamgoingaway！“saidthegirl，withtheexaltationofdelirium。
Andshesprangoutofbed。
“Rosario，Rosario——Mydaughter！ForGod'ssake，whatisthis?“
“Ah，mamma，senora！“exclaimedthegirl，embracinghermother；“bindmefast！“
“Intruthyouwoulddeserveit。Whatmadnessisthis?“
“Bindmefast！Iamgoingaway——Iamgoingawaywithhim！“
DonaPerfectafeltafloodoffiresurgingfromherheartuptoherlips。Shecontrolledherself，however，andansweredherdaughteronlywithhereyes，blackerthanthenight。
“Mamma，mamma，Ihateallthatisnothe！“exclaimedRosario。“Hearmyconfession，forIwishtoconfessittoeveryone，andtoyoufirstofall。”
“Youaregoingtokillme；youarekillingme！“
“Iwanttoconfessit，sothatyoumaypardonme。Thisweight，thisweightthatispressingmedown，willnotletmelive。”
“Theweightofasin！AddtoitthemaledictionofGod，andseeifyoucancarrythatburdenaboutwithyou，wretchedgirl！OnlyIcantakeitfromyou。”
“No，notyou，notyou！“criedRosario，withdesperation。“Buthearme；
Iwanttoconfessitall，all！Afterward，turnmeoutofthishousewhereIwasborn。”
“Iturnyouout！“
“Iwillgoaway，then。”
“Stillless。Iwillteachyouadaughter'sduty，whichyouhaveforgotten。”
“Iwillfly，then；hewilltakemewithhim！“
“Hashetoldyoutodoso?hashecounselledyoutodothat?hashecommandedyoutodothat?“askedthemother，launchingthesewordslikethunderboltsagainstherdaughter。
“Hehascounselledmetodoit。Wehaveagreedtobemarried。Wemustbemarried，mamma，dearmamma。Iwillloveyou——IknowthatIoughttoloveyou——IshallbeforeverlostifIdonotloveyou。”
Shewrungherhands，andfallingonherkneeskissedhermother'sfeet。
“Rosario，Rosario！“criedDonaPerfecta，inaterriblevoice，“rise！“
Therewasashortpause。
“Thisman——hashewrittentoyou?“
“Yes。”
“Andhaveyouseenhimagainsincethatnight?“
“Yes。”
“Andyouhavewrittentohim！“
“Ihavewrittentohimalso。Oh，senora！whydoyoulookatmeinthatway?Youarenotmymother。
“WouldtoGodthatIwerenot！Rejoiceintheharmyouaredoingme。
Youarekillingme；youhavegivenmemydeath-blow！“criedDonaPerfecta，withindescribableagitation。“Yousaythatthisman——“
“Ismyhusband——Iwillbehiswife，protectedbythelaw。Youarenotawoman！Whydoyoulookatmeinthatway?Youmakemetremble。Mother，mother，donotcondemnme！“
“Youhavealreadycondemnedyourself——thatisenough。Obeyme，andI
willforgiveyou。Answerme——whendidyoureceivelettersfromthatman?“
“To-day。”
“Whattreachery！Whatinfamy！“criedhermother，roaringratherthanspeaking。“Hadyouappointedameeting?“
“Yes。”
“When?“
“To-night。”
“Where?“
“Here，here！Iwillconfesseverything，everything！Iknowitisacrime。Iamawretch；butyouwhoaremymotherwilltakemeoutofthishell。Giveyourconsent。Sayonewordtome，onlyoneword！“
“Thatmanhereinmyhouse！“criedDonaPerfecta，springingbackseveralpacesfromherdaughter。
Rosariofollowedheronherknees。Atthesameinstantthreeblowswereheard，threecrashes，threereports。ItwastheheartofMariaRemediosknockingatthedoorthroughtheknocker。Thehousetrembledwithawfuldread。Motheranddaughterstoodmotionlessasstatues。
Aservantwentdownstairstoopenthedoor，andshortlyafterwardMariaRemedios，whowasnotnowawomanbutabasiliskenvelopedinamantle，enteredDonaPerfecta'sroom。Herface，flushedwithanxiety，exhaledfire。
“Heisthere，heisthere！“shesaid，assheentered。“Hegotintothegardenthroughthecondemneddoor。”
Shepausedforbreathateverysyllable。
“Iknowalready，“returnedDonaPerfecta，withasortofbellow。
Rosariofellsenselessonthefloor。
“Letusgodownstairs，“saidDonaPerfecta，withoutpayinganyattentiontoherdaughter'sswoon。
Thetwowomenglideddownstairsliketwosnakes。Themaidsandtheman-servantwereinthehall，notknowingwhattodo。DonaPerfectapassedthroughthedining-roomintothegarden，followedbyMariaRemedios。
“FortunatelywehaveCa-Ca-Ca-ballucothere，“saidthecanon'sniece。
“Where?“
“Inthegarden，also。Hecli-cli-climbedoverthewall。”
DonaPerfectaexploredthedarknesswithherwrathfuleyes。Ragegavethemthesingularpowerofseeinginthedarkpeculiartothefelinerace。
“Iseeafigurethere，“shesaid。“Itisgoingtowardtheoleanders。”
“Itishe！“criedRemedios。“ButtherecomesRamos——Ramos！“
ThecolossalfigureoftheCentaurwasplainlydistinguishable。
“Towardtheoleanders，Ramos！Towardtheoleanders！“
DonaPerfectatookafewstepsforward。Herhoarsevoice，vibratingwithaterribleaccent，hissedforththesewords:
“Cristobal，Cristobal——killhim！“
Ashotwasheard。Thenanother。
CHAPTERXXXII
CONCLUSION
FromDonCayetanoPolentinostoafriendinMadrid:
“ORBAJOSA，April21。
“MYDEARFRIEND:
“Sendmewithoutdelaytheeditionof1562thatyousayyouhavepickedupattheexecutor'ssaleofthebooksofCorchuelo。Iwillpayanypriceforthatcopy。Ihavebeenlongsearchingforitinvain，andI
shallesteemmyselfthemostenviableofvirtuososinpossessingit。
Yououghttofindinthecolophonahelmetwithamottoovertheword'Tractado，'andthetailoftheXofthedateMDLXIIoughttobecrooked。Ifyourcopyagreeswiththesesignssendmeatelegraphicdespatchatonce，forIshallbeveryanxiousuntilIreceiveit。ButnowIrememberthat，onaccountofthesevexatiousandtroublesomewars，thetelegraphisnotworking。Ishallawaityouranswerbyreturnofmail。
“IshallsoongotoMadridforthepurposeofhavingmylongdelayedwork，the'GenealogiesofOrbajosa，'printed。Iappreciateyourkindness，mydearfriend，butIcannotacceptyourtooflatteringexpressions。Myworkdoesnotindeeddeservethehighencomiumsyoubestowuponit；itisaworkofpatienceandstudy，arudebutsolidandmassivemonumentwhichIshallhaveerectedtothepastgloriesofmybelovedcountry。Plainandhumbleinitsform，itisnobleintheideathatinspiredit，whichwassolelytodirecttheeyesofthisproudandunbelievinggenerationtothemarvellousdeedsandthepurevirtuesofourforefathers。WouldthatthestudiousyouthofourcountrymighttakethesteptowhichwithallmystrengthIincitethem！Wouldthattheabominablestudiesandmethodsofreasoningintroducedbyphilosophiclicenseanderroneousdoctrinesmightbeforevercastintooblivion！Wouldthatourlearnedmenmightoccupythemselvesexclusivelyinthecontemplationofthosegloriousages，inorderthat，thisgenerationbeingpenetratedwiththeiressenceandtheirbeneficentsap，itsinsaneeagernessforchange，anditsridiculousmaniaforappropriatingtoitselfforeignideaswhichconflictwithourbeautifulnationalconstitution，mightdisappear。I
feargreatlythatamongthecrowdofmadyouthwhopursuevainUtopiasandheathenishnovelties，mydesiresarenotdestinedtobefulfilled，andthatthecontemplationoftheillustriousvirtuesofthepastwillremainconfinedwithinthesamenarrowcircleasto-day。Whatistobedone，myfriend?IamafraidthatverysoonourpoorSpainisdoomedtobesodisfiguredthatshewillnotbeabletorecognizeherself，evenbeholdingherselfinthebrightmirrorofherstainlesshistory。
“Idonotwishtoclosethisletterwithoutinformingyouofadisagreeableevent——theunfortunatedeathofanestimableyoungman，wellknowninMadrid，thecivilengineerDonJosedeRey，anephewofmysister-in-law。Thismelancholyeventoccurredlastnightinthegardenofourhouse，andIhavenotyetbeenabletoformacorrectjudgmentregardingthecausesthatmayhaveimpelledtheunfortunateReytothishorribleandcriminalact。AccordingtowhatPerfectatoldmethismorning，onmyreturnfromMundoGrande，PepeReyatabouttwelveo'clocklastnightenteredthegardenofthehouseandshothimselfintherighttemple，expiringinstantly。Imaginetheconsternationandalarmwhichsuchaneventwouldproduceinthispeaceableandvirtuousmansion。PoorPerfectawassogreatlyaffectedthatwewereforatimealarmedabouther；butsheisbetternow，andthisafternoonwesucceededininducinghertotakealittlebroth。Weemployeverymeansofconsolingher，andassheisagoodChristian，sheknowshowtosupportwithedifyingresignationevensogreatamisfortuneasthis。
“Betweenyouandme，myfriend，IwillsayherethatinyoungRey'sfatalattemptuponhislife，Ibelievethemovingcausestohavebeenanunfortunateattachment，perhapsremorseforhisconduct，andthestateofhypochondriasmintowhichhehadfallen。Iesteemedhimgreatly；Ithinkhewasnotlackinginexcellentqualities；buthewasheldinsuchdisreputeherethatneveroncehaveIheardanyonespeakwellofhim。Accordingtowhattheysay，hemadeaboastofthemostextravagantideasandopinions；hemockedatreligion，enteredthechurchsmokingandwithhishaton；herespectednothing，andforhimtherewasneithermodesty，norvirtue，norsoul，norideal，norfaith——
nothingbuttheodolites，squares，rules，engines，pick-axes，andspades。Whatdoyouthingofthat?Tobejust，Imustsaythatinhisconversationswithmehealwaysconcealedtheseideas，doubtlessthroughfearofbeingutterlyroutedbythefireofmyarguments；butinpublicinnumerablestoriesaretoldofhishereticalideasandhisstupendousexcesses。
“Icannotcontinue，mydearfriend，foratthismomentIhearfiring。
AsIhavenoloveforfighting，andasIamnotasoldier，mypulsetremblesalittle。InduetimeIwillgiveyoufurtherparticularsofthiswar。
“Yoursaffectionately，etc。，etc。”
“APRIL22。
“MYEVER-REMEMBEREDFRIEND:
“To-daywehavehadabloodyskirmishontheoutskirtsofOrbajosa。ThelargebodyofmenraisedinVillahorrendawereattackedbythetroopswithgreatfury。Therewasgreatlossinkilledandwoundedonbothsides。Afterthecombatthebraveguerillasdispersed，buttheyaregreatlyencouraged，anditispossiblethatyoumayhearofwonderfulthings。CristobalCaballuco，thesonofthefamousCaballucowhomyouwillrememberinthelastwar，thoughsufferingfromawoundinthearm，howorwhenreceivedisnotknown，commandedthem。Thepresentleaderhaseminentqualificationsforthecommand；andheis，besides，anhonestandsimple-heartedman。Aswemustfinallycometoafriendlyarrangement，IpresumethatCaballucowillbemadeageneralintheSpanisharmy，wherebybothsideswillgaingreatly。
“Ideplorethiswar，whichisbeginningtoassumealarmingproportions；
butIrecognizethatourvaliantpeasantsarenotresponsibleforit，sincetheyhavebeenprovokedtotheinhumanconflictbytheaudacityoftheGovernment，bythedemoralizationofitssacrilegiousdelegates；bythesystematicfurywithwhichtherepresentativesofthestateattackwhatismostveneratedbythepeople——theirreligiousfaithandthenationalspiritwhichfortunatelystillexistsinthoseplacesthatarenotyetcontaminatedbythedesolatingpestilence。Whenitisattemptedtotakeawaythesoulofapeopletogiveitadifferentone；whenitissoughttodenationalizeapeople，sotosay，pervertingitssentiments，itscustoms，itsideas——itisnaturalthatthispeopleshoulddefenditself，likethemanwhoisattackedbyhighwaymenonasolitaryroad。Letthespiritandthepureandsalutiferoussubstanceofmyworkonthe'Genealogies'——excusetheapparentvanity——oncereachthesphereoftheGovernmentandtherewillnolongerbewars。
“To-daywehavehadhereaverydisagreeablequestion。Theclergy，myfriend，haverefusedtoallowReytobeburiedinconsecratedground。I
interferedinthematter，entreatingthebishoptoremovethisheavyanathema，butwithoutsuccess。Finally，weburiedthebodyoftheyoungmaninagravemadeinthefieldofMundoGrande，wheremypatientexplorationshavediscoveredthearchaeologicaltreasuresofwhichyouknow。Ispentsomeverysadhours，andthepainfulimpressionwhichI
receivedhasnotyetaltogetherpassedaway。DonJuanTafetanandourselvesweretheonlypersonswhoaccompaniedthefuneralcortege。A
littlelater，strangetosay，thegirlswhomtheycallheretheTroyaswenttothefield，andprayedforalongtimebesidetherustictombofthemathematician。Althoughthisseemedaridiculouspieceofofficiousnessittouchedme。
“WithrespecttothedeathofRey，therumorcirculatesthroughoutthetownthathewasassassinated，butbywhomisnotknown。Itisassertedthathedeclaredthistobethecase，forhelivedforaboutanhourandahalf。Accordingtowhattheysay，herefusedtorevealthenameofhismurderer。Irepeatthisversion，withouteithercontradictingorsupportingit。Perfectadoesnotwishthismattertobespokenof，andshebecomesgreatlydistressedwheneverIalludetoit。
“Poorwoman！nosoonerhadonemisfortuneoccurredthanshemetwithanother，whichhasgrievedusalldeeply。Myfriend，thefatalmaladythathasbeenforsomanygenerationsconnaturalinourfamilyhasnowclaimedanothervictim。PoorRosario，who，thankstoourcares，wasimprovinggraduallyinherhealth，hasentirelylostherreason。Herincoherentwords，herfrenzy，herdeadlypallor，bringmymotherandmysisterforciblytomymind。ThisisthemostseriouscasethatIhavewitnessedinourfamily，forthequestionhereisnotoneofmaniabutofrealinsanity。Itissad，terriblysadthatoutofsomanyIshouldbetheonlyonetoescape，preservingasoundmindwithallmyfacultiesunimpairedandentirelyfreefromanysignofthatfatalmalady。
“IhavenotbeenabletogiveyourremembrancestoDonInocencio，forthepoormanhassuddenlyfallenillandrefusestoseeevenhismostintimatefriends。ButIamsurethathewouldreturnyourremembrances，andIdonotdoubtthathecouldlayhishandinstantlyonthetranslationofthecollectionofLatinepigramswhichyourecommendtohim。Ihearfiringagain。Theysaythatweshallhaveaskirmishthisafternoon。Thetroopshavejustbeencalledout。”
“BARCELONA，June1。
“IhavejustarrivedhereafterleavingmynieceinSanBaudiliodeLlobregat。Thedirectoroftheestablishmenthasassuredmethatthecaseisincurable。Shewill，however，havethegreatestcareinthatcheerfulandmagnificentsanitarium。Mydearfriend，ifIalsoshouldeversuccumb，letmebetakentoSanBaudilio。Ihopetofindtheproofsofmy'Genealogies'awaitingmeonmyreturn。Iintendtoaddsixpagesmore，foritwouldbeagreatmistakenottopublishmyreasonsformaintainingthatMateoDiezCoronel，authorofthe'MetricoEncomio，'isdescended，onthemother'sside，fromtheGuevaras，andnotfromtheBurguillos，astheauthorofthe'FlorestaAmena'
erroneouslymaintains。
“Iwritethisletterprincipallyforthepurposeofgivingyouacaution。IhaveheardseveralpersonsherespeakingofPepeRey'sdeath，andtheydescribeitexactlyasitoccurred。Thesecretofthemannerofhisdeath，whichIlearnedsometimeaftertheevent，I
revealedtoyouinconfidencewhenwemetinMadrid。Ithasappearedstrangetomethathavingtoldittonoonebutyourself，itshouldbeknownhereinallitsdetails——howheenteredthegarden；howhefiredonCaballucowhenthelatterattackedhimwithhisdagger；howRamosthenfiredonhimwithsosureanaimthathefelltothegroundmortallywounded。Inshort，mydearfriend，incaseyoushouldhaveinadvertentlyspokenofthistoanyone，Iwillremindyouthatitisafamilysecret，andthatwillbesufficientforapersonasprudentanddiscreetasyourself。
“Joy！joy！IhavejustreadinoneofthepapersherethatCaballucohaddefeatedBrigadierBatalla。”
“ORBAJOSA，December12。
“Ihaveasadpieceofnewstogiveyou。ThePenitentiaryhasceasedtoexistforus；notpreciselybecausehehaspassedtoabetterlife，butbecausethepoormanhasbeen，eversincelastApril，sogrief-
stricken，somelancholy，sotaciturnthatyouwouldnotknowhim。ThereisnolongerinhimevenatraceofthatAttichumor，thatdecorousandclassicjovialitywhichmadehimsopleasing。Heshunseverybody；heshutshimselfupinhishouseandreceivesnoone；hehardlyeatsanything，andhehasbrokenoffallintercoursewiththeworld。Ifyouweretoseehimnowyouwouldnotrecognizehim，forheisreducedtoskinandbone。Thestrangestpartofthematteristhathehasquarreledwithhisnieceandlivesalone，entirelyalone，inamiserablecottageinthesuburbofBaidejos。TheysaynowthathewillresignhischairinthechoirofthecathedralandgotoRome。Ah！
OrbajosawilllosemuchinlosinghergreatLatinist。Iimaginethatmanyayearwillpassbeforeweshallseesuchanother。OurgloriousSpainisfallingintodecay，declining，dying。”
“ORBAJOSA，December23。
“TheyoungmanwhowillpresenttoyoualetterofintroductionfrommeisthenephewofourdearPenitentiary，alawyerwithsomeliteraryability。Carefullyeducatedbyhisuncle，hehasverysensibleideas。
Howregrettableitwouldbeifheshouldbecomecorruptedinthatsinkofphilosophyandincredulity！Heisupright，industrious，andagoodCatholic，forwhichreasonsIbelievethatinanofficelikeyourshewillrisetodistinctioninhisprofession。Perhapshisambitionmayleadhimforhehasambition，toointothepoliticalarena，andI
thinkhewouldnotbeabadacquisitiontothecauseoforderandtradition，nowthatthemajorityofouryoungmenhavebecomepervertedandhavejoinedtheranksoftheturbulentandthevicious。Heisaccompaniedbyhismother，acommonplacewomanwithoutanysocialpolish，butwhohasanexcellentheart，andwhoistrulypious。
Maternalaffectiontakesinherthesomewhatextravagantformofworldlyambition，andshedeclaresthathersonwillonedaybeMinister。Itisquitepossiblethathemay。
“Perfectadesirestoberememberedtoyou。Idon抰knowpreciselywhatisthematterwithher；butthefactis，shegivesusgreatuneasiness。
Shehaslostherappetitetoanalarmingdegree，and，unlessIamgreatlymistakeninmyopinionofhercase，sheshowsthefirstsymptomsofjaundice。ThehouseisverysadwithoutRosarito，whobrighteneditwithhersmilesandherangelicgoodness。Ablackcloudseemstorestnowoverusall。PoorPerfectaspeaksfrequentlyofthiscloud，whichisgrowingblackerandblacker，whileshebecomeseverydaymoreyellow。Thepoormotherfindsconsolationforhergriefinreligionandindevotionalexercises，whicheachdayshepractiseswithamoreexemplaryandedifyingpiety。Shepassesalmostthewholeofthedayinchurch，andshespendsherlargeincomeinnovenasandinsplendidreligiousceremonies。Thankstoher，religiousworshiphasrecoveredinOrbajosaitsformersplendor。Thisissomeconsolationinthemidstofthedecayanddissolutionofournationality。
“To-morrowIwillsendtheproofs。Iwilladdafewpagesmore，forI
havediscoveredanotherillustriousOrbajosan——BernardoAmadordeSota，whowasfootmantotheDukeofOsuna，whomheservedduringtheperiodofthevice-royaltyofNaples；andthereisevengoodreasontobelievethathehadnocomplicitywhateverintheconspiracyagainstVenice。”
Ourstoryisended。Thisisallwehavetosayforthepresentconcerningpersonswhoseem，butarenotgood。
End