ted in trying to
ingratiate herself with him by means of dainties which she purloined out
of what she cooked for the guests. After this conversation Lope went
back to his lodgings, intending not to leave them again for another six
days, at least in company with his ass.

It might be about eleven at night, when the corregidor most unexpectedly
entered the Posado del Sevillano, at the head of a formidable posse. The
host and even the guests were startled and agitated by his visit; for as
comets, when they appear, always excite fears of disaster, just so the
ministers of justice, when they suddenly enter a house, strike even
guiltless consciences with alarm. The unwelcome visitor walked into a
room, and called for the master of the house, who came tremblingly to
know what might be the senor corregidor's pleasure. "Are you the
landlord?" said the magistrate with great gravity. "Yes, senor, and your
worship's humble servant to command," was the reply. The corregidor then
ordered that every one else should quit the room, and leave him alone
with the landlord. This being done, he resumed his questions.

"What servants have you in your inn, landlord?"

"Senor, I have two Gallegan wenches, a housekeeper, and a young man who
gives out the oats and straw, and keeps the reckoning."

"No more?"

"No, senor."

"Then tell me, landlord, what is become of a girl who is said to be a
servant in this house, and so beautiful that she is known all over this
city as the illustrious scullery-maid? It has even reached my ears that
my son Don Perequito is in love with her, and that not a night passes in
which he does not serenade her."

"Senor, it is true that this illustrious scullery-maid, as they call
her, is in my house, but she neither is my servant, nor ceases to be
so."

"I do not understand you. What do you mean by saying that she is and is
not your servant?"

"It is the real truth, and if your worship will allow me, I will explain
the matter to you, and tell you what I have never told to any one."

"Before I hear what you have to say, I must first see this
scullery-maid."

Upon this the landlord went to the door and called to his wife to send
in Costanza, When the landlady heard that, she was in great dismay, and
began to wring her hands, saying, "Lord, have mercy on me! What can the
corregidor want with Costanza, and alone! Some terrible calamity must
surely have happened, for this girl's beauty bewitches the men."

"Do