"I was warm, I went to the window, my handkerchief dropped out, and I
came down stairs for it!"

"Why didn't you ask Librada to get it for you? Librada! Where is that
girl? Has she fallen asleep too?"

Librada at last made her appearance. Her pale face revealed the
consternation and the apprehension of the delinquent.

"What is this? Where were you?" asked her mistress, with terrible anger.

"Why, senora, I came down stairs to get the clothes out of the front
room--and I fell asleep."

"Every one here seems to have fallen asleep to-night. Some of you, I
fancy, will not sleep in my house to-morrow night. Rosario, you may go."

Comprehending that it was necessary to act with promptness and energy,
Dona Perfecta and the canon began their investigations without delay.
Questions, threats, entreaties, promises, were skilfully employed to
discover the truth regarding what had happened. Not even the shadow
of guilt was found to attach to the old servant; but Librada confessed
frankly between tears and sighs all her delinquencies, which we will sum
up as follows:

Shortly after his arrival in the house Senor Pinzon had begun to cast
loving glances at Senorita Rosario. He had given money to Librada,
according to what the latter said, to carry messages and love-letters to
her. The young lady had not seemed angry, but, on the contrary, pleased,