f
upon the generosity of my adversary; for although inimical to me, he
bore a high character as a Spanish cavalier. I desired to be informed
the moment that he returned from Seville; and when the intelligence
came, I immediately repaired to his house, and requested an audience. I
was admitted; when Don Alvarez, for that was his name, addressed me.

"You wish to speak with me, Don Pedro--there are others at your house by
this time who wish to speak with you."

I guessed that he meant the officers of the Inquisition; but pretending
not to understand the remark, I answered him:--"Don Alvarez, the enmity
that you have invariably shown towards me has, I am sure, proceeded from
the affront, which you consider that your noble family has received, by
your cousin having formed an alliance with one of unknown parentage. I
have long borne with your pointed insults, out of respect for her who
gave me birth; I am now about to throw myself upon your generosity, and
probably when I inform you, that I am the unhappy issue of the early
amour of Donna Celia (which of course you have heard of), I may then
claim your compassion, if not your friendship, from having at least some
of the same noble blood in my veins."

"I was not indeed aware of it," replied Don Alvarez, with agitation; "I
would to Heaven you had confided in me before."

"Perhaps it would have been better," replied I, "but permit me to prove
my assertions." I then stated my having been the friar Anselmo, the
discovery of my birth by accident, and the steps which I had taken. "I
am aware," continued I, "that I have been much to blame, but my love for
Donna Clara made me regardless of consequences. Your unfortunate enmity
induced me, in an unguarded moment, to expose myself; and it will
probably end in my destruction."

"I acknowledge the truth of your remark, and that no power can save you,
I lament it, Don Pedro; but what is done cannot be undone. Even now the
officers of the Inquisition are at your house." As he uttered these
words, a loud knocking at the door announced that they had followed me.
"This must not be Don Pedro," said Don Alvarez, "step this way." He
opened a panel, and desired me to go in--and he hardly had time to shut
it before the officers came into the room.

"You have him here, Don Alvarez, have you not?" inquired the chief.

"No, unfortunately," replied he, "I tried to detain him, but suspecting
some discovery he forced his way out, sword