you. I am well aware that my daughter and myself are two rustics who are
incapable of soaring to the regions of mathematics where you dwell, but
for all that it is possible that you may one day get down on your knees
to us and beg us to teach you the Christian doctrine."

Pepe answered with vague phrases and formulas of politeness and
repentance.

"For my part," said Don Inocencio, with an affected air of meekness and
amiability, "if in the course of these idle disputes I have said any
thing that could offend Senor Don Jose, I beg his pardon for it. We are
all friends here."

"Thanks. It is of no consequence."

"In spite of every thing," said Dona Perfecta, smiling with more
naturalness than before, "I shall always be the same for my dear nephew;
in spite of his extravagant and anti-religious ideas. In what way do you
suppose I am going to spend this evening? Well, in trying to make Uncle
Licurgo give up those obstinate notions which would otherwise cause you
annoyance. I sent for him, and he is waiting for me now in the hall.
Make yourself easy, I will arrange the matter; for although I know that
he is not altogether without right on his side--"

"Thanks, dear aunt," responded the young man, his whole being invaded by
a wave of the generous emotion which was so easily aroused in his soul.

Pepe Rey looked in the direction of his cousin, intending to join her,
but some wily questions of the canon retained him at Dona Perfecta's
side. Rosario looked dejected, and was listening with an air of