her names
equally gratifying, and upon the recital of my tragical adventure, very
coolly, and as he thinks very justly, observes--'It serves you
right--'tis all your fault--why did you not watch better?'"

"Roque," said Gomez Arias, "you have told me the same story over and
over again, and I do not see the necessity of your repeating it now."

"I beg your pardon, Don Lope Gomez Arias," responded the valet, with
most ludicrous solemnity, "but I am firmly resolved to quit your service
in good earnest; for I perceive you are bent on getting into new
difficulties, and I feel no inclination to go in search of fresh
adventures. Lately you suddenly disappeared on some mysterious
expedition, and I am sure you have been to Granada, to be a candidate in
the tournament, notwithstanding the perilous nature of such an
undertaking; for had you been discovered!----"

"Enough, Roque--that danger is past."

"Very well, Sir; but there are a thousand others that are not. Will you
be pleased to reply to a few questions?"

Gomez Arias, to spare any superfluous expenditure of words, nodded
assent.

"How long is it since we left Granada?"--asked the valet.

"Two months or so," replied his master.

"We quitted that city," proceeded Roque, "in consequence of the mortal
wounds you inflicted on Don Rodrigo de Cespedes, your rival in the
affections of Leonor de Aguilar."

"True."

"We sought a refuge here in Guadix, to lie concealed until the storm
blow over."

"Right."

"And you are now creditably employed in gaining the affections of a
young and innocent girl, who knows no more of you than she does of his
holiness the pope."

"Well?"

"I don't suppose you intend to marry both these ladies?"

"Certainly not."

"Then it puzzles me to decide how you can reconcile these matters; and
as I foresee that mischief is likely to ensue, you must excuse me if I
prudently think of withdrawing before the evil is unavoidable. If
fortunately both or even one of your mistresses were a plebeian beauty,
I might be persuaded to hush my apprehensions, but as it is I cannot;
two ladies of rank are concerned."

Thus far had Roque proceeded in his eloquent and moral remonstrance,
when Gomez Arias turned round, took up a cane that lay near him, and
walking very deliberately to his valet with the most perfect
composure--"Now, Roque," he said, "you must allow I have listened very
attentively to your prosing. I have had quite enough of your nonsense