Emilia; he is now pleading his own cause with God--
for he has fallen by the sword of yours."

Donna Emilia started.

"Yes, Emilia, dear, dear sister, it is but too true, and still more
true, that you have caused his death. Do not kill me too, Emilia, by
refusing to believe what I declare, as I hope for eternal salvation--
that I never was aware of the mistake, until the boy discovered it to
me, on the ensuing day. If you knew the shame, the vexation, the fear
of discovery which racked my frame, when I was but too sure of it, you
would forgive my having tried to hide a fault, the knowledge of which
would make others miserable, as well as me. Say you believe me--say you
forgive me, Emilia. Oh! Emilia, cannot you forgive a sister?"

Emilia answered not, and Teresa, clinging to her knees, and embracing
them, sobbed hysterically. At this moment Don Perez, who had obtained
admittance to see his wife, came into the room, and walking up to the
part in which the two unfortunate ladies remained in the attitudes
described, said,--"You, Teresa, who have been the original cause of this
unhappy business, I mean not to reproach again. Your punishment has
been greater than your offence. It is to you, madam, I must address
myself; who, by not believing in the words of truth, have caused me to
slay my dearest friend and brother, and, after having unwittingly
wounded him in the tenderest point, add to the injury by taking away his
life. Are you yet satisfied, madam? Are you satisfied with having
embittered my days by your injustice and unworthy suspicions--by having
reduced your unfortunate, yet not guilty sister, to the state of an
unhappy, lonely woman, now suing in vain for pardon at your feet; by
having been the occasion of the death of your brother by marriage--her
husband and my friend? Say, madam, are you yet satisfied, or will you
have more victims to your unbelief?"

Emilia answered not, but continued with her face averted.

"Be it so, then, madam;" replied Don Perez; and, before any one was
aware of his intention, he drew his sword, and fell upon it. "Now,
Emilia, let the sacrifice of my life be a proof to you of my sincerity.
As I hope for pardon, I have told the truth;" and Don Perez fell on his
back, and was dead.

Emilia started round when he fell, and threw herself down by his side in
horror and amazement. The film that passion had thrown over her eyes
was removed, as she witnessed the last melancholy r