around just to see the realization of old Don Jaime's ambition, which he
himself had not been able to fulfill, he passed away.

All the bells of the city tolled mournfully.

The Party weekly came out with a black border a palm wide; and from all
over the District folks came in droves to see whether the powerful don
Ramón Brull, who had been able to rain upon the just and unjust alike on
this earth, could possibly have died the same as any other human being.




III


When doña Bernarda found herself alone, and absolute mistress of her
home, she could not conceal her satisfaction.

Now they would see what a woman could do.

She counted on the advice and experience of don Andrés, who was closer
than ever to her now; and on the prestige of Rafael, the young lawyer,
who bade fair to sustain the reputation of the Brulls.

The power of the family continued unchanged. Don Andrés, who, at the
death of his master, had succeeded to the authority of a second father
in the Brull house, saw to the maintenance of relations with the
authorities at the provincial capital and with the still bigger fish in
Madrid. Petitions were heard in the _patio_ the same as ever. Loyal