clergyman whom the governor now summoned to
a council.

"Father," said he, when the priest made his appearance and bestowed his
benediction, "you are doubtless aware of the arrival of an American ship
in this harbor, and that I and my family have been invited on board
to-morrow."

Father Josef bowed in the affirmative.

"I am not sure that I am doing right," resumed the Don, "in accepting
such invitations, as it throws me into the society of heretics so
often; and you know we cannot touch pitch without defilement."

"We cannot indeed handle pitch without being defiled, but in the line of
duty."

"But duty does not call me there."

"Nay, but hear me, my son; duty requires that you should see that his
majesty's laws against unlawful trading are not violated."

"That is very true."

"And there can be no better opportunity of ascertaining the real
character of these foreigners than by a personal visit."

"A most just observation, father."

"Therefore, make yourself easy on the score of its sinfulness, for there
is none in it."

"I don't see how there can be," said his excellency, who was thinking of
the future punch and dinner.

"If I can assist you farther--"

"Oh, true! you will accompany us to-morrow?"

"Most cheerfully."

"And now, father, I wish to consult you upon another subject. You know
that it is my wish to marry my niece to Don Gregorio Nunez."

"You have said something of this before."

"And she is most obstinately opposed to such a union."

"I can easily conceive it," said the priest drily.

"He is rich and well connected."

"Riches and rank do not charm all women."

"It is my wish to see her well married."

"The woman that marries Don Gregorio is not necessarily well married;
besides, I believe you know his character."

"I think I do."

"That he is a fool."

"He is certainly rather weak in intellect."

"And a coward."

"I cannot deny it."

"And a coxcomb."

"He is certainly very vain of his high birth and of his rank in the
army: young men are apt to be in such cases."

"You would not consent to his marrying one of your daughters?"

"No; I have other views for them."

"And yet you profess to love your niece as affectionately as your
daughters."

"You know I do, father."

"And loving her as you profess, you are striving to render that niece
miserable for life by uniting her with one whom you admit to be a fool,
a coward, and a vain fop."

The old Don, whose inte