be enamored. The girl allowed herself to be
bribed with persuasive words and a good deal of money, because she
was ignorant of the source of the notes and of the real meaning of the
intrigue, for had she known that it was all a diabolical plot of Don
Jose, although she liked the latter greatly, she would not have acted
with treachery toward her mistress for all the money in the world.

One day Dona Perfecta, Don Inocencio, Jacinto, and Pinzon were
conversing together in the garden. They were talking about the soldiers
and the purpose for which they had been sent to Orbajosa, in which the
Penitentiary found motive for condemning the tyrannical conduct of the
Government; and, without knowing how it came about, Pepe Rey's name was
mentioned.

"He is still at the hotel," said the little lawyer. "I saw him
yesterday, and he gave me remembrances for you, Dona Perfecta."

"Was there ever seen such insolence! Ah, Senor Pinzon! do not be
surprised at my using this language, speaking of my own nephew--that
young man, you remember, who had the room which you occupy."

"Yes, I know. I am not acquainted with him, but I know him by sight and
by reputation. He is an intimate friend of our brigadier."

"An intimate friend of the brigadier?"

"Yes, senor; of the commander of the brigade that has just arrived in
this district, and which is quartered in the neighboring villages."

"And where is he?" asked the lady.

"In Orbajosa."

"I think he is stopping at Polavieja's," observed Jacinto.

"Your nephew and Brigadier Batalla are intimate friends," continued
Pinzon; "they are always to be seen together in the streets."

"Well, my friend, that gives me a bad idea of your chief," said Dona
Perfecta.

"He is--he is very good-natured," said Pinzon, in the tone of one who,
through motives of respect, did not venture to use a harsher word.

"With your permission, Senor Pinzon, and making an honorable exception
in your favor, it must be said that in the Spanish army there are some
curious types----"

"Our brigadier was an excellent soldier before he gave himself up to
spiritualism."

"To spiritualism!"

"That sect that calls up ghosts and goblins by means of the legs of a
table!" said the canon, laughing.

"From curiosity, only from curiosity," said Jacintillo, with emphasis,
"I ordered Allan Kardec's book from Madrid. It is well to know something
about every thing."

"But is it possible that such follies--Heavens! Tell me