Emilia answered not, and Teresa, clinging to her knees, and embracing them, sobbed hysterically. At this moment, Don Perez, who had obtained admittance to see his wife, came into the room, and walking up to the part in which the two unfortunate ladies remained in the attitudes described, said,--"You, Teresa, who have been the original cause of this unhappy business, I mean not to reproach again. Your punishment has been greater than your offence. It is to you, madam, I must address myself, who, by not believing in the words of truth, have caused me to slay my dearest friend and brother, and, after having unwittingly wounded him in the tenderest point, add to the injury by taking away his life. Are you yet satisfied, madam? Are you satisfied with having embittered my days by your injustice and unworthy suspicions--by having reduced your unfortunate, yet not guilty sister, to the state of an unhappy, lonely woman, now suing in vain for pardon at your feet; by having been the occasion of the death of your brother by marriage--her husband and my friend? Say, madam, are you yet satisfied, or will you have more victims to your unbelief?" Emilia answered not, but continued with her face averted. "Be it so, then, madam;" replied Don Perez; and, before any one was aware of his intention, he drew his sword, and fell upon it. "Now, Emilia, let the sacrifice of my life be a proof to you of my sincerity. As I hope for pardon, I have told the truth;" and Don Perez fell on his back, and was dead. Emilia started round when he fell, and threw herself down by his side in horror and amazement. The film that passion had thrown over her eyes was removed, as she witnessed the last melancholy result of her unbelief. When Don Perez ceased speaking, she threw herself on his body, in an agony of grief.--"I do, I do believe--Perez, I do, I do! Oh! indeed I do believe--speak to me, Perez--O God, he is dying!--Sister, Teresa, come, come, he'll speak to you--he's not angry with you--Sister, sister, speak--O God! O God!" screamed the unhappy woman, "he's dead--and I have murdered him!"--and she dashed her head upon the floor. Teresa hastened to her sister, and held her in her arms, while the tears poured fast. It was some time before reason resumed her seat; at last, exhausted by the violence of her feelings, she was relieved with a flood of tears. "Who is it?--you, Teresa--kind sister, whom I have used so ill--I do believe you--I do believe, Teresa; God forgive me! kiss me, sister, and say that you forgive me--for am I not punished?" "It is all my fault," answered Teresa, bursting into tears: "Oh! how wicked, how foolish have I been!"