Richelieu also was," replied Miguel, with a
bow.

"I feel that I have his defects, and not his qualities. You can imagine
how I envy those reserved, polite, prudent men ... like our friend
Mendoza here!"

Again it was difficult to tell whether the head of the government were
speaking seriously.

"I do not; it would be depriving myself of one of the greatest pleasures
of life."

"I agree with you; but it costs the most of all."

And in this connection he related several cases where by frankly saying
what he thought, it had caused him serious losses. His conversation was
gay, insinuating, without the least snobbishness; his fault lay, on the
contrary, in excessive familiarity.

When he had finished eating, he courteously offered cigars, and after
lighting one and leaning back in his chair, he asked Rivera:--

"So, then, you wish to be deputy for Serin?"

"If you have no opposition to it...."

"I? Why should I have any opposition to it? It is sufficient that you
are Brigadier Rivera's son and Mendoza's friend. Besides, no election
could be more suitable than yours. You are a young man of talent, as has
already been proved; you belong to the democratic wing of the party, and
that composes a very respectable contingent in it; you have an
independent fortune ... on men like you the heads of the government
ought to have great reliance, and ought to win them over at all hazards.
We like young men of intelligence, and with a future ahead of them;
rising stars! As for those that are declining, let them have a
feather-bed to rest in! That is public life."

He remained a few moments pensive; puffed at his cigar, and added:--

"I am not acquainted with this district of Serin. Do you know how it is
situated, Mendoza?"

"My impression is that government has absolute control of it. The
general had certainly no opposition."

"Very good; but you must remember that the general is a figure of the
first magnitude in politics, and that his name would be sufficient to
scare off all opposition."

"Nevertheless, I believe that the district, with such little help as the
government may afford, is secure."

"Really?"

"Yes, sir."

"And is the general agreeable to Senor Rivera's candidacy?"

"Certainly he is; they are old friends. I will stand guarantee for him."

"Well, if that is so," said the President, rising and laying one hand on
Miguel's shoulder; "count yourself as deputy."

"Many thanks, Senor Presidente!"

"D