cellency being his debtor, he will naturally suppose you anxious to serve him. He shall wait

upon you in the course of an hour; and I beg your Excellency to accept my warmest thanks."

"Mention it not, Peñalverde, mention it not. command."

I am ever at your

father's or your

Orlando bowed and withdrew.

"Generous young man that," said the minister, as the petitioner closed the door; "just like his father, only not quite so interested. I hate interested men!"

So we all do; we dislike egotism in others, but we cannot banish it from our hearts; and well it is for us nature has implanted that failing in our breasts, or else, woe betide us.

The hidalgo had long finished his breakfast, when the servant announced that a messenger from the Minister at War waited without, Don Estevan started at the summons; recovering himself, he flew rather than walked across the apartment to learn the cause. The minister desired instanter to see the hidalgo. Donna Benigna was in a flutter, wondering what could be the matter. Eunice, suspecting the truth,

"

quieted her father by assuring him that something good awaited him; and Donna Benigna immediately recollected the prophetic candle.

66

Hang the candle," said the hidalgo, "give me my best suit. You Eunice-run for my trusty rapier-and you !-you staring knave!-bring me my buckskin boots."

Thus arrayed, the faithful blade dangling at his sinister, and his beaver flung on one side with martial grace, he departed with pallid cheek, and throbbing heart, but firm step, to learn from the statesman's own lips what awaited him. As he mounted the stairs, his courage rather gave way, and his knees smote together. Thus, he who had braved culverine and lance, clung to the balustrade for support. At last he reached the landing, and entered the ante-chamber, crowded by anxious supplicants. How often had he been here without attaining his object. And he watched each anxious face as they entered the minister's cabinet. last his turn came.-O! how his heart throbbed as he crossed the threshold ;-his head swam,

At

-and he found himself, he knew not how, in the presence of the dreaded minister, who, telling him to be seated, placed a parchment in his hands. Was it his death-warrant? Alas! he feared to read it, until the minister's reiterated command secured obedience.

To his amazement, he was appointed to the command of a chosen body of men, about to leave for Italy. Tears of joy chased one another down his cheeks, and he could have kissed the hand that delivered to him his private instructions.

"These," said the minister, "you may read when more composed. Don Estevan, do you not recollect me?"

The hidalgo wiped his eyes. Yes—he had seen those features before, but could not remember where. Besides, the minister's name was unknown to him. No wonder-for the Emperor had changed it in making him a Count, with the title of Grandee of Spain.

"Ah, Monfore, you and I are old acquaintances. Do you not recollect Pietro De la Cruz? You saved his life. He was ever

grateful to you, but separation caused him to forget you for awhile. Accident informed him of your position, and to prove his gratitude, he has given you this appointment. Monfore, I am that man!"

Don Estevan rose, and the great minister pressed him in his arms. At last they separated, Monfore promising to call on his benefactor the following day. On reaching home he found Orlando there, who, as well as his wife and daughter, anxiously awaited his return. Donna Benigna devoured the news with eyes, mouth and ears.

"I told you," said Orlando, "the Emperor or his minister would at last recollect an old and faithful servant. But what does that letter contain?"

Monfore still held his instructions unopened. He hastily scanned them; and when he came to the end exclaimed-“ What do I see-eight and forty."

"What, Estevan?" demanded his wife,eight and forty what?"

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Eight and forty hours only are left to me

to settle my affairs; and then, wife, I must leave you, as also my dear Eunice. 'Twas kind of them to remember me, but eight and forty hours are soon flown."

"True, Señor; but recollect that there are many who sigh after your good fortune. You have obtained more than you anticipated."

"Perhaps I am indebted to you, Don Orlando; you promised to intercede for me."

"Oh, Señor, do not mention it! had you not saved the minister's life, in all probability you would never have obtained the appointment."

"Thank your stars you have what you want," said Donna Benigna; "you men are never satisfied."

"Your wife is right. And now I shall leave you for the present; your time is precious. Farewell, Don Estevan. Your servant,

Señora !"

Eunice followed him to the door, and he again recommended her to divulge nothing to her father.

The time speedily arrived when Monfore was to leave his happy home. He had wept for