utiful Rosarita--for instance, any prejudice to
be trampled under foot--is a million of dowry, besides three millions of
expectation, nothing in your eyes?"

Don Estevan put this question for the purpose of sounding the morality
of the man, or rather to try the strength of a tool, which he meant to
make use of.

Despilfarro returned no reply.

"Now, then, I await your answer," said Don Estevan, after a pause,
appearing to take pleasure in the Senator's embarrassment.

"Upon my word, Don Estevan," replied Despilfarro, "you are cruel to
mystify one in this manner. I--I--Carramba! it is very embarrassing."

Don Estevan interrupted him. This hesitation on the part of Despilfarro
told the Spaniard what he wished to know. An ironical smile played upon
his lips, and laying aside his pleasantry, he resumed in a serious tone:

"Listen to me, Tragaduros! It would be unworthy of a gentleman to
continue longer this badinage where a lady's reputation is concerned. I
can assure you, then, that the past life of the Dona Rosarita is without
a stain."

The Senator breathed freely.

"And now," continued Don Estevan, "it is necessary that you give me your
full confidence, and I will set you an example by giving mine with a
perfect frankness: the success of the noble cause I have embraced
depends upon it. First, then, hear who I am. Arechiza is only a
borrowed appellation. As to my real name--which you shall soon know--I
made oath in my youth, that no woman, however rich or beautiful, should
share it with me; therefore, now that my hair is grey do you think that
I should be likely to break the oath I have so long kept? Although a
wife, such as I propose for you, may ofttimes be a stepping-stone to
ambition, she is oftener an obstacle."

As he said this, Don Estevan rose, and in his turn paced the floor with
an agitated air. Some traces of distrust were still perceptible upon
the countenance of the Senator--they were noticed by him.

"You wish for a more precise explanation?" said he; "you shall have it."

The Spaniard approached the window and closed the shutters--as if
fearful that their conversation might be heard outside. He then sat
down again, and requested the Senator to be seated near him.

Tragaduros watched him with a lively curiosity, at the same time
lowering his eyes whenever they met the fiery glances of the Spaniard.

The latter appeared suddenly to become transformed, as if looking
grander and noble