melancholy indifference to the words of the little lawyer, who, having
installed himself at her side, kept up a continuous stream of fulsome
flatteries, seasoned with ill-timed jests and fatuous remarks in the
worst possible taste.

"The worst of it is," said Dona Perfecta to her nephew--surprising the
glance which he cast in the direction of the ill-assorted pair--"the
worst of it is, that you have offended poor Rosario. You must do all in
your power to make your peace with her. The poor child is so good!"

"Oh, yes! so good," added the canon, "that I have no doubt that she will
forgive her cousin."

"I think that Rosario has already forgiven me," affirmed Rey.

"And if not, angelic breasts do not harbor resentment long," said Don
Inocencio mellifluously. "I have a great deal of influence with the
child, and I will endeavor to dissipate in her generous soul whatever
prejudice may exist there against you. As soon as I say a word or two to
her----"

Pepe Rey felt a cloud darken his soul and he said with meaning:

"Perhaps it may not be necessary."

"I will not speak to her now," added the capitular, "because she is
listening entranced to Jacinto's nonsense. Ah, those children! When they
once begin there is no stopping them."

The judge of the lower court, the alcalde's lady, and the dean of the