“The latter, perhaps, yes; but the other, no--he receives a salary of barely twenty-five. As much as I earn.” “Ah, well! bid farewell to Master Collado and Ajágan, and the collector and the town treasurer, and enter my employ. _La Ermita_ is wretchedly cared for; mayorsdomos succeed one another and all rob me. You shall go to _La Ermita_ as manager, with house and table, horses for your use, servants to do your bidding--that is to say, as master, because you will command there; the twenty-five pesos per month, which you now earn by your varied labors, will continue to be paid you and in addition fifteen per cent of the annual income of the place. I am making you not a bad offer!”[22] “No, indeed, lady! I appreciate that it is more than liberal; but, I cannot accept it.” “Why not?” asked Doña Socorro, thoroughly vexed. “Because, I must not abandon my good aunts.” “You need not do so. _La Ermita_ is only three leagues from here; a mere nothing. You can come here in the evenings, Saturdays, to spend Sundays, and Mondays you are at your duties again. Finally, in case they are not satisfied, take them out to the place.” “They were not made for country life; still, for my good, they would make the sacrifice. But there is another--an insuperable--difficulty.” “What?” “I do not understand rural affairs and one who controls should know what he commands. I would not know where to begin; there would be neither head nor foot, and you would gain nothing, with your unhappy administrator.” “What I gain or do not gain, does not concern you; it is not your affair. If you do not know rural affairs, I will instruct you, and, as you are not stupid, you will be, within two months, more dexterous than San Ysidro[23] himself. When shall we begin, come now?” “But, lady, I am sorry; I believe I will not go. Agriculture does not attract me. The few studies I have made do not tend thither.” “Ah! You aim at a literary career, to some public office!” replied Doña Socorro, sneeringly. “Do not make sport of me, lady; I know right well, that I shall never fill the position of a general or a magistrate. You asked me to be frank, and I frankly admit that I have my aspirations.” “Very good--what difficulty is that. Better and better. Go and fill this position, save money, put yourself in contact with people of consequence, and from _La Ermita_, you may go to be Regidor, or something higher. You know well that Alcaldes, and even Jefes Politicos, come from the country-places. What hinders?” “Really, lady, speaking plainly, the position does not attract me in the least.” “H’m!--You are not telling me the truth; at least, you are concealing something from me--something--what is the real cause of your refusal?” Antón maintained silence: the lady urged him. “Why are you not frank with me--who care so much for you?” “It is”--he stammered--“the truth is that just now, less than ever, do I care to leave the town.”