Now was the last adventure approaching that ever Catalina should see in the new world. Some fine sights she may yet see in Europe, but nothing after this (_which she has recorded_) in America. Europe, if it had ever heard of her name (which very shortly it _shall_), Kings, Pope, Cardinals, if they were but aware of her existence (which in six months they _shall_ be), would thirst for an introduction to our Catalina. You hardly thought now, reader, that she was such a great person, or anybody's pet but yours and mine. Bless you, Sir, she would scorn to look at _us_. I tell you, royalties are languishing to see her, or soon _will_ be. But how can this come to pass, if she is to continue in her present obscurity? Certainly it cannot without some great _peripetteia_ or vertiginous whirl of fortune; which, therefore, you shall now behold taking place in one turn of her next adventure. _That_ shall let in a light, _that_ shall throw back a Claude Lorraine gleam over all the past, able to make Kings, that would have cared not for her under Peruvian daylight, come to glorify her setting beams. The Senora--and, observe, whatever kindness she does to Catalina speaks secretly from two hearts, her own and Juana's--had, by the advice of Mr. President Mendonia, given sufficient money for Catalina's travelling expenses. So far well. But Mr. M. chose to add a little codicil to this bequest of the Senora's, never suggested by her or by her daughter. 'Pray,' said this inquisitive President, who surely might have found business enough in La Plata, 'Pray, Senor Pietro Diaz, did you ever live at Concepcion? And were you ever acquainted there with Senor Miguel de Erauso? That man, Sir, was my friend.' What a pity that on this occasion Catalina could not venture to be candid! What a capital speech it would have made to say--'_Friend_ were you? I think you could hardly be _that_, with seven hundred miles between you. But that man was _my_ friend also; and, secondly, my brother. True it is I killed him. But if you happen to know that this was by pure mistake in the dark, what an old rogue you must be to throw _that_ in my teeth, which is the affliction of my life!' Again, however, as so often in the same circumstances, Catalina thought that it would cause more ruin than it could heal to be candid; and, indeed, if she were really _P. Diaz, Esq. _, how came she to be brother to the late Mr. Erauso? On consideration, also, if she could not tell _all_, merely to have professed a fraternal connection which never was avowed by either whilst living together, would not have brightened the reputation of Catalina, which too surely required a scouring. Still, from my kindness for poor Kate, I feel uncharitably towards the president for advising Senor Pietro 'to travel for his health.' What had _he_ to do with people's health? However, Mr. Peter, as he had pocketed the Senora's money, thought it right to pocket also the advice that accompanied its payment.