Leonidas, in the pass of Thermopylæ, could not have said with better grace "To-night we will dine with Pluto." "I notice the absence of our great preacher," said one of the government employees timidly. The speaker had an inoffensive look and before this had not opened his mouth, except to eat, during the entire morning. All who knew the life of Crisostomo's father twitched their eyes significantly and seemed to say by their movements: "Go on! It's a bad beginning that you have made!" But others, more benevolently disposed, replied: "He must be somewhat fatigued." "What? Somewhat fatigued!" exclaimed the alferez. "Why, he must be exhausted. What did you think of the sermon this morning?" "Superb, gigantic!" said the Notary. "To be able to speak like Father Dámaso, a man needs lungs," observed Father Manuel Martin. The Augustine did not concede more than lung power. "And such easiness of expression," added Father Salví. "Do you know that Señor Ibarra has the best cook in the province," remarked the Alcalde, cutting off the conversation. "So they say," replied one of the Government employees, "but his fair neighbor does not wish to do honor to his table, for she scarcely takes a mouthful." Maria Clara blushed. "I thank you, Senor.... You occupy yourself too much about me ... but ..." she said timidly. "But your presence honors him sufficiently," concluded the gallant Alcalde. Then turning to Father Salví: "Father Curate, I notice that you have been silent and pensive all day long." "It is my nature," muttered the Franciscan. "I would rather listen than talk." "Your Reverence seeks always to gain and never to lose," replied the alferez, in a joking manner. But Father Salví did not take it as a joke. His eyes flashed a moment and he replied: "You know very well, Señor Alferez, that, during these days, I am not the one who gains most!" The alferez overlooked the fling with a false laugh and pretended not to hear it. "But, gentlemen, I do not understand how you can be talking about gains and losses," intervened the Alcalde. "What will these amiable and discreet young women, who honor us with their presence, think of us? To my mind, the young women are like Æolian harps in the night. It is only necessary to lend an attentive ear to hear them, for their unspeakable harmonies elevate the soul to the celestial spheres of the infinite and of the ideal...." "Your Excellency is a poet," said the Notary gayly; and both drained their wine glasses. "I cannot help it," said the Alcalde, wiping his lips. "The occasion, if it does not always make the thief, makes the poet. In my youth I composed verses, and they certainly were not bad ones." "So Your Excellency has been unfaithful to the Muses, deserting them for Themis." "Psh!" What would you do? It has always been my dream to run through the whole social scale. Yesterday I was gathering flowers, and singing songs; to-day I hold the wand of Justice and serve Humanity. To-morrow...."