y sister
and mamma have a thousand, so that they may live decently; ... with
three thousand _duros_ a year we can get along first-rate."

"Oh! indeed we can.... Why don't you let your mamma and sister have
half? Just think; they are used to luxury, and I am not.... I can get
along with any kind of clothes."

"It is because I do not wish you to get along with any kind of clothes,
but I want you to dress suitably."

"If you only knew how much it would please me to have you give half to
your sister."

"It is impossible.... We must remember the possibility of children."

"Still, you would have a good deal left."

"You don't realize how much it costs to live in Madrid, dear."

After a moment of reflection he added:--

"On the whole, we won't do either; we will split the difference. I will
allow them thirty thousand _reales_, and we will content ourselves with
fifty thousand. What I am afraid of is, that I shall get a rascally
brother-in-law who will run through the property."

Thus chatting, they spent the time till ten o'clock, and then they
decided to go to bed. Miguel arose first and helped his wife to her
feet; they lighted the candle and went to their room.

Maximina, according to custom, "blessed" the chamber, repeating a number
of prayers which she had learned in the convent. Then they tranquilly
went to sleep.

Just before dawn Miguel thought that he heard a singular noise at his
side, and woke up. Instantly he was aware that his wife was kissing him
on the neck, again and again, very gently, evidently with the idea of
not disturbing his slumber; then, in an instant, he heard a sob.

"What is it, Maximina?" he asked, quickly turning over.

The girl's only answer was to throw her arms around him, and burst into
a passion of tears.

"But what is it? Tell me quick! What is the matter?"

Choking with sobs, she managed to say:--

"Oh! I just had such bad dreams!... I dreamed that you turned me out of
the house."

"Poor little darling!" exclaimed Miguel, fondling her tenderly; "your
mind was impressed by what I said last evening.... I was a stupid
blunderer!"

"I did not--know ... what it was--How I suffered, _virgen mia_! I
thought I should die! If I had not waked up I should have died!... But
you are not stupid.... I am, though!"

"Well, we both are; but calm yourself," he said, kissing her.

In a few moments both were sound asleep again.

IV.

Unusual silence reigned in the editorial