"What is that you say?" said Don Gregorio, frowning angrily. "I think it is useless to speak any more," said Evaña, "I see that it can have no good result; I will go to the Guardia Ranchos, and will see Colonel Lopez myself." Venceslao looked at him gratefully, and rose from his seat to go. "Not yet," said Don Gregorio, stepping rapidly between him and the door. "You have used words which require explanation, you do not leave this room till I know of your intentions." "If the honour of your family is nothing to you, to my father it is more precious than life, and I, his son, know how to avenge any affront to the family." "My family!" said Don Gregorio. "I am of your family, and so is my sister Mauricia; the stain is upon you as well as upon us. I have come to appeal to you, as the head of the family; it appears that the honour of the family is to you of small value, I am a man of another stamp, and will know how to take my measures. I will know what measures to take." "Talk no more in that way, Venceslao," said Evaña; "you forget the respect you owe to an old man." "It is not alone in respect that he is wanting," said Don Gregorio; "he has used words which require explanation, and I require an explicit explanation before he leaves this room." "I have spoken clearly enough, and seek to hide nothing," said Venceslao. "You have spoken of consequences to my son," said Don Gregorio. "I have spoken; I know my duty, and shall do it." "You apprehend danger?" said Evaña to Don Gregorio, taking him aside. "Dismiss all fear of that. Those who talk much never do anything. Leave it all to me; as I told you, I will go to-morrow to the Guardia Ranchos, and will see Gregorio myself, we shall arrange the matter, but if you interfere with this man it will occasion a scandal. You might write to Gregorio, and I will carry the letter for you." "No, I will not write, I am too angry to write now, but tell my son that he must submit to any demand they may make upon him, and that I will not see him again until he has completely severed all connection between himself and this family." "I will tell him what you say, word for word," said Evaña. * * * * *