But I was some days confined to my bed, during which I was continually reflecting upon what had passed.  I perceived, to my misery, the pale which I had placed between me and the world, by embracing a monastic life; and how unfit I was, by temperament, to fulfil my vows.  I cursed my father and mother, who had been the original cause of my present situation.  I cursed the monastic dress which blazoned forth my unhappy condition.  Then I thought of the treacherous girl, and planned schemes of revenge.  I compared my personal qualifications with those of the young officer; and vanity suggested, that were it not for my vile professional disguise, the advantage was on my side.  At last I decided upon the steps that I would take.

As I before stated, my purse was well supplied from the lessons which I gave in music, and from assisting at the serenades.  When I was sufficiently recovered to go out, I proceeded to a barber, and on the plea of continual headache, for which it had been recommended that I should shave my head, requested him to make me a false tonsure.  In a few days it was ready, and being very well made, no difference could be perceived between the wig and my own hair, which was then removed.  So far I had succeeded; but as the greatest caution was necessary in a proceeding of this nature, to avoid suspicion, I returned to the convent, where I remained quiet for several days.  One evening I again sallied forth, and when it was quite dark repaired to the friperie show of a Jew, where I purchased a second—­hand suit of cavalier’s clothes, which I thought would fit me.  I concealed them in my cell, and the next morning, went in search of a small lodging in some obscure part, where I might not be subject to observation.  This was difficult, but I at last succeeded in finding one to let, which opened upon a general staircase of a house, which was appropriated to a variety of lodgers, who were constantly passing and repassing.  I paid the first month in advance, stating it would be occupied by a brother, whom I daily expected; in the meantime took possession of the key.  I bought a small chest, which I had conveyed to my lodgings, and having removed my cavalier’s dress from the convent, locked it up.  I then remained quiet as before, not only to avoid suspicion, but to ingratiate myself with the superior, by my supposed reformation.

After a few days, I sallied forth, and leaving a note for one of the most skilful perruquiers of Seville, desired him to call at my lodgings, at an hour indicated.  Having repaired there, to be ready to receive him, I took off my monk’s dress and false tonsure, which I locked up in my chest; I tied a silk handkerchief round my head, and got into bed, leaving the cavalier’s suit on my chair near to me.  The perruquier knocked at the appointed time.  I desired him to come in, apologised for my servant being absent on a message, and stating that I had been obliged to shave my head on account of a fever, from which I had now recovered,