Cirujeda."

"I asked you," said the curate amiably, filling his friend's plate,
"because my niece wishes you to accompany her a short distance. She has
some business or other to attend to, and it is a little late to be out
alone."

"Is she going to Dona Perfecta's?" asked Ramos. "I was there a few
moments ago, but I did not want to make any delay."

"How is the senora?"

"A little frightened. To-night I took away the six young men I had in
the house."

"Why! don't you think they will be wanted there?" said Remedios, with
alarm.

"They are wanted more in Villahorrenda. Brave men chafe at being kept in
the house; is it not so, Senor Canon?"

"Senor Ramos, that house ought not to be left unprotected," said the
Penitentiary.

"The servants are enough, and more than enough. But do you suppose,
Senor Don Inocencio, that the brigadier employs himself in attacking the
people's houses?"

"Yes, but you know very well that that diabolical engineer----"