rt in the
question.

"But you will come back, will you not?" asked the canon.

"At what time does the morning train pass?" asked Dona Perfecta, in
whose eyes was clearly discernible the feverish impatience of her
exaltation.

"I am going away to-night."

"But there is no moon."

In the soul of Dona Perfecta, in the soul of the Penitentiary, in the
little doctor's youthful soul echoed like a celestial harmony the word,
"To-night!"

"Of course, dear Pepe, you will come back. I wrote to-day to your
father, your excellent father," exclaimed Dona Perfecta, with all the
physiognomic signs that make their appearance when a tear is about to be
shed.

"I will trouble you with a few commissions," said the savant.

"A good opportunity to order the volume that is wanting in my copy of
the Abbe Gaume's work," said the youthful lawyer.

"You take such sudden notions, Pepe; you are so full of caprices,"
murmured Dona Perfecta, smiling, with her eyes fixed on the door of
the dining-room. "But I forgot to tell you that Caballuco is waiting to
speak to you."

CHAPTER XV

DISCORD CONTINUES TO GROW UNTIL WAR IS DECLARED

Every one looked toward the door, at which appeared the imposing figure
of the Centaur, serious-looking and frowning; embarrassed by his anxiety
to salute the company politely; savagely handsome, but disfigured by the
violence which he did himself in smiling civilly and treading softly and
holding his herculean arms in a correct posture.

"Come in, Senor Ramos," said Pepe Rey.

"No, no!" objected Dona Perfecta. "What he has to say to you is an
absurdity."

"Let him say it."

"I ought not to allow such ridiculous questions to be discussed in my
house."

"What is Senor Ramos' business with me?"

Caballuco uttered a few words.

"Enough, enough!" exclaimed Dona Perfecta. "Don't trouble my nephew any
more. Pepe, don't mind this simpleton. Do you wish me to tell you the
cause of the great Caballuco's anger?" she said, turning to the others.

"Anger? I think I can imagine," said the Penitentiary, leaning back in
his chair and laughing with boisterous hilarity.

"I wanted to say to Senor Don Jose--" growled the formidable horseman.

"Hold your tongue, man, for Heaven's sake! And don't tire us any more
with that nonsense."

"Senor Caballuco," said the canon, "it is not to be wondered at that
gentlemen from the capital should cut out the rough riders of this
savage country."

"In two words, Pep