Don Perez tried all he could to pacify his wife, but in vain.  Her jealousy, her pride, and her conscientious scruples were roused, and she would not listen to any reasoning or protestations.  Although he was almost certain, that the fact was as his wife had stated, he determined to make sure by referring to me.  He came to Don Florez’ house, and after staying a little while with him and his wife, during which he appeared so uneasy that they asked him whether he was unwell, he went away making a sign for me to follow him.  He then entered into all the particulars, and asked me about the delivery of the notes.  I took it for granted, that an explanation had taken place between him and his wife—­my only object was to save Donna Teresa.

“Senor, whether what Donna Emilia says is true, I know not,” replied I; “but, that it was not Donna Teresa who met you, I can certify, for I was in her room with her that night till she went to bed, playing at piquet for sugar-plums.”

“Then who could it be,” observed he.

“I know not, senor, for I did not go downstairs, where my mistress was, because she had sent me to bed, and I knew that I should have been scolded for being up.  Therefore I cannot say whether Donna Emilia was with you or not.”

Don Perez meditated some time, and then came to the conclusion that his wife was ashamed of having been too indulgent to him in an unguarded moment, and would not acknowledge it.  Still he was far from being satisfied.  He returned home to explain what he had gathered to his wife, but found that she had left the house some time before, without stating whither she was going.  As soon as Don Perez left the house, I hastened to my mistress, to acquaint her with what had passed, and what I had told him.

“I thank you for your kind intention, Pedro, but I am afraid that all will be discovered.  It is a judgment on me for my folly and indiscretion.”

In the meantime, Donna Emilia, who had taken refuge in a neighbouring convent, sent for Don Florez.  He found her in the convent-parlour in tears.  Convinced by her jealousy, that her sister had an attachment to Don Perez, and that there had been a mutual understanding, she stated to Don Florez the whole of the circumstances, and pointing out to him how treacherously they both had been treated, acquainted him with her intention to retire from the world.

Don Florez, stirred to madness by the information, exclaimed—­“It was for this, then, that she put me off on that night, and was kind to me the next.  Cursed dupe that I have been; but, thank heaven, it is not too late to be revenged.  Don Perez, you shall pay dearly for this.”  So saying, he quitted Donna Emilia, uncertain whether he should first wreak his vengeance upon Don Perez or his wife.  But this point was soon decided, for at the convent gate he encountered Don Perez, who had been informed whither his wife had retreated.

“You are the person I have been anxiously wishing to see, Don Perez—­treacherous villain, void of all honour.”