some for understanding, others for money, and others again for beauty, and of the latter class I am one.  As for high birth, thank Heaven and my ancestors I am well enough off in that respect; as for understanding, provided a woman is neither a dolt nor a simpleton, there is no need of her having a very subtle wit; in point of wealth, I am amply provided by my parents; but beauty is what I covet, with no other addition than virtue and good breeding.  If my wife brings me this, I will thank Heaven for the gift, and make my parents happy in their old age.”

Estafania was delighted to hear Rodolfo speak thus, for the sentiments he expressed were just such as best accorded with the success of the scheme she had in hand.  She told him that she would endeavour to marry him in conformity with his inclination, and that he need not make himself uneasy, for there would be no difficulty in breaking off the match which seemed so distasteful to him.  Rodolfo thanked her, and supper being ready they went to join the rest of the party at table.  The father and mother, Rodolfo and his two companions had already seated themselves, when Dona Estafania said, in an off-hand way, “Sinner that I am, how well I behave to my guest!  Go,” she said to a servant, “and ask the senora.  Dona Leocadia to honour our table with her presence, and tell her she need not stand on any punctilio, for all here are my sons and her servants.”  All this was part of her scheme, with the whole of which Leocadia had been previously made acquainted.

The lady soon appeared, presenting a most charming spectacle of perfect beauty, set off by the most appropriate adornments.  The season being winter, she was dressed in a robe and train of black velvet, with gold and pearl buttons; her girdle and necklace were of diamonds; her head was uncovered, and the shining braids and ringlets of her thick chestnut hair, spangled with diamonds, dazzled the eyes of the beholders.  Her bearing was graceful and animated; she led her son by the hand, and before her walked two maids with wax-lights and silver candlesticks.  All rose to do her reverence, as if something from heaven had miraculously appeared before them; but gazing on her, entranced with admiration, not one of them was able to address a single word to her.  Leocadia bowed to them all with courteous dignity, and Estafania taking her by the hand led her to a seat next herself and opposite to Rodolfo, whilst the boy was seated beside his grandfather.  “Ah,” said Rodolfo to himself, as he gazed on the lovely being before him, “could I find but half that beauty in the wife my mother has chosen for me, I should think myself the happiest man in the world.  Good God! what is it I behold?  Is it some angel in human shape that sits before me?” Whilst his eyes were thus making his soul captive to the lovely image of Leocadia, she, on the other hand, finding herself so near to him who was dearer to her than the light of those eyes with which she furtively glanced at him