personality. The channel was wanting, the banks were wanting. The vast
wealth of her spirit overflowed, threatening to wash away the narrow
borders. When her cousin saluted her she blushed crimson, and uttered
only a few unintelligible words.

"You must be fainting with hunger," said Dona Perfecta to her nephew.
"You shall have your breakfast at once."

"With your permission," responded the traveller, "I will first go and
get rid of the dust of the journey."

"That is a sensible idea," said the senora. "Rosario, take your cousin
to the room that we have prepared for him. Don't delay, nephew. I am
going to give the necessary orders."

Rosario took her cousin to a handsome apartment situated on the ground
floor. The moment he entered it Pepe recognized in all the details of
the room the diligent and loving hand of a woman. All was arranged
with perfect taste, and the purity and freshness of everything in this
charming nest invited to repose. The guest observed minute details that
made him smile.

"Here is the bell," said Rosario, taking in her hand the bell-rope, the
tassel of which hung over the head of the bed. "All you have to do is to
stretch out your hand. The writing-table is placed so that you will have
the light from the left. See, in this basket you can throw the waste
papers. Do you smoke?"

"Unfortunately, yes," responded Pepe Rey.