without employment, and, as a jurisconsult cannot put his hand to
the plough or seat himself at the loom, the result is that brilliant
squadron of idlers full of pretensions, who clamor for places, embarrass
the administration, agitate public opinion, and breed revolutions. In
some way they must make a living. It would be a greater misfortune if
there were lawsuits enough for all of them."

"Pepe, for Heaven's sake, take care what you say," said Dona Perfecta,
in a tone of marked severity. "But excuse him, Senor Don Inocencio, for
he is not aware that you have a nephew who, although he has only lately
left the university, is a prodigy in the law."

"I speak in general terms," said Pepe, with firmness. "Being, as I am,
the son of a distinguished lawyer, I cannot be ignorant of the fact
that there are many men who practise that noble profession with honor to
themselves."

"No; my nephew is only a boy yet," said the canon, with affected
humility. "Far be it from me to assert that he is a prodigy of learning,
like Senor de Rey. In time, who can tell? His talents are neither
brilliant nor seductive. Of course, Jacinto's ideas are solid and his
judgment is sound. What he knows he knows thoroughly. He is unacquainted
with sophistries and hollow phrases."

Pepe Rey appeared every moment more and more disturbed. The idea that,
without desiring it, his opinions should be in opposition to those of
the friends of his aunt, vexed him, and he resolved to remain silent
lest he and Don Inocencio should end by throwing the plates at each
other's heads. Fortunately the cathedral bell, calling the canon to the
important duties of the choir, extricated him from his painful position.