The landlord went out to get the supper, but soon returned without it, bringing with him another guest, apparently also a hidalgo, short and bulky, with an apoplectic complexion, shining eyes and a large mouth which was slightly opened in a pleasant smile. He might have been about twenty-eight, his clothing was good and new although dark, contrasting with that of the second arrival, whose clothes were not only bright colored, but adorned with all the ornaments that were permitted to people of his class. He saluted very politely, took off his coat, ordered his supper, and sat down, whereupon the looks of the other two were centered upon him, while he examined them alternately. “I recognize them. They are the same ones,” said Señor Alonso to himself. “I have followed them, and they are after me,” thought the one with the black eyes. “So much the better, for now we will get rid of all our doubts, and finish things once for all.” The supper was brought in at last and the three men, as if obeying the same impulse, filled their glasses and began to drink. Then they began to eat in almost absolute silence. It was, however, only the calm before the storm. Apparently the three hidalgos were only occupied with their supper, but while eating and drinking they were stealing angry glances at each other. Each one was trying to find some pretext for opening a conversation, but could not find anything to suit, till at last he of the bright clothes lost patience, and, calling the landlord, said, “I cannot live without talking. Silence vexes me, and I cannot digest my supper without conversation.” “Since I am busy waiting upon you—” “You will serve me better by listening to me.” “You honor me more than I deserve.” “I will tell you what has happened to me, and as you are older and wiser than I, and have more experience, you shall advise me, for I feel half stupified and perplexed.” “In that case, speak, Señor Hidalgo. You have all you want here now, and I can stay.” “Tripas de Satanas! I am the most unhappy of living creatures, for I am madly in love with the most beautiful and bewitching woman ever born.” “If she is unmarried—” “Yes.” “And honorable, and of your own station in life—” “She is all that.” —Señor Alonso knit his brows. The chubby-cheeked no longer smiled.— “And does not this noble lady return your favor?” “She has given some indications that make me feel hopeful.” “Well, if she does not love another.—” “Vive Dios! But there are others who aspire to her love. I have just learned it. I have seen it, and—I went to the street where the beauty lives who has captivated me, and when I got there two other suitors appeared. They watched as I watched. I waited and they waited. What ought I to have done? At first the blood rushed to my head, and then I laughed, for what followed seemed amusing to me. And now I don’t know how I feel.” “And do you know your rivals?”