"So-so!" said Beauvallet. "Early days to talk of betrothals yet. Cousin, eh? That means a dispensation, or I'm much at fault." "You mistake me, sir: nothing is yet done. These are rumours." He laid a finger against his nose. "This gives to think, master. I learn that the Carvalhos are as poor as may be. Nothing to gape at there, you say. True; there seem few enough nobles here with coins to rub together. Curious, curious! And yet so much pomp! We do not use that way in England. Under my breath I say it; have no fear of me. Perpend then, master. What if this aunt--her name is Beatrice, for your better information--hath made a little plot to possess herself of all this wealth?" "Very possible," nodded Sir Nicholas. "And a bribe to the Church to hasten the dispensation." "Certain, I think, master. These priests! If what one hears be true!" "What do you learn of Don Diego?" demanded Sir Nicholas. "Little to the point, sir. A creature of no weight, as it seems to me. These Spanish caballeros! Foh, match me a young Englishman, say I! Well, he is prodigal: all young men are so. It's to say nothing. He does what all springalds do in ruffling it about the town. For the rest I learn that he is accounted well-looking, rides comely, knows how to handle a bilbo, hath elegant accomplishments by the score. You nose out a fop. I do not gainsay it, for so it appears to me. He need not concern us." "He might concern us very nearly," said Sir Nicholas. "What else? Is the father of this fine sprig alive?" "Surely, master, but here again I would say, a creature of no account. As I read our host's talk--in his cups he waxes a thought garrulous. Strange sight in one so prim!--he lies beneath his good lady's thumb." He made a descriptive gesture. "So! By all I can understand that is a lady of odd manners, sir. You would say an original. We shall doubtless know more anon. They have estates somewhere to the north of Burgos, as I apprehend, but at this present, sir, they stay, all four, at their house in Madrid. This I have found, off the Plaza de Oriente. While you slept, master, I have been about the town a little. Some fine buildings, to be sure, and a quantity of Popish Churches--enough to turn a man's stomach. The house of the Carvalho you may find easily. There is a wall grown with a vine at the back, and, as I judge, a garden upon the inner side." He rolled a knowing eye. "Thought I, we may find a use for that. Further, master, there is to be a ball given this day week at that house, in honour of our Diego's birthday. This is much talked of, for it seems these Spaniards do not give them often. All the world will be there." "Then so must I," said Beauvallet, and sprang out of bed. "Now how to make the acquaintance of the Carvalhos?" "Walk on the Mentidero, master," Joshua advised. "It is still the haunt of your Court gallant, as I hear. You might compare it with Duke Humphrey's Walk at home--to its disadvantage, mark you!"