ng whither she was going. As soon as Don Perez left the house, I
hastened to my mistress, to acquaint her with what had passed, and what
I had told him.

"I thank you for your kind intention, Pedro, but I am afraid that all
will be discovered. It is a judgment on me for my folly and
indiscretion."

In the mean time, Donna Emilia, who had taken refuge in a neighbouring
convent, sent for Don Florez. He found her in the convent-parlour in
tears. Convinced by jealousy that her sister had an attachment to Don
Perez, and that there had been a mutual understanding, she stated to Don
Florez the whole of the circumstances, and pointing out to him how
treacherously they both had been treated, acquainted him with her
intention of retiring from the world.

Don Florez, stirred to madness by the information, exclaimed--"It was
for this, then, that she put me off on that night, and was kind to me
the next. Cursed dupe that I have been; but, thank Heaven, it is not
too late to be revenged. Don Perez, you shall pay dearly for this." So
saying, he quitted Donna Emilia, uncertain whether he should first wreak
his vengeance upon Don Perez or his wife. But this point was soon
decided, for at the convent gate he encountered Don Perez, who had been
informed whither his wife had retreated.

"You are the person I have been anxiously wishing to see, Don Perez--
treacherous villain, void of all honour."

"Not so, Don Florez. I am an unfortunate man, who is half mad by a
cruel mistake which has occurred. Recall your words, for they are
unjust."

"I do not intend to recall them, but assert the truth with the point of
my rapier. If you are not as great a coward, as you are a villain, you
will follow me."

"Such language will admit of no reply. I am at your service," cried Don
Perez.

The two brothers-in-law walked in silence, until they reached a field
hard by, where they threw off their cloaks, and fought with the fury of
demons. Victory was decided in favour of Don Perez; his sword passed
through the heart of his adversary, who never spoke again. Don Perez
viewed the body with a stern countenance, wiped his sword, took up his
cloak, and walked straight to the house of Don Florez. "Donna Teresa,"
said he, (I only was present,) "I call upon you, as you value salvation
in the day of judgment, to tell me the truth. Was it you, that, by an
unfortunate mistake, I met one night in the saloon; and were those
caresses, intended f