was with him, and he won a great deal of money. One of his partners asked him jestingly where Soledad was. Don Pedro saw one of his neighbors start on hearing this question, but he contented himself with laughing and saying she was confined to her bed. Then something disquieting happened. Some young men entered the room and addressed an artillery officer, asking him about Pepe Alvarez. The officer said:

— Isn't he here?

— No.

A dreadful silence settled upon the company. Don Pedro could not command his nerves enough to hide his anxiety. The thought crossed his mind that Pepe was with Soledad, and that everyone around him believed as he believed. He forced himself to go on playing another hour, and luck clung to him in spite of himself. The play ended, and he returned

to the ballroom and approached his cousin, saying to her:

— I have hardly been able to get a word with you. Come to another room, where we can sit and talk at our ease.

When they were in Conchita's boudoir he asked her in a broken voice:

— Where is Pepe Alvarez tonight?

— I don't know.

— Were you expecting him?

— Of course.

— Conchita, I beg you to tell me the truth. Don't they say he is Soledad's lover?

— What a strange question to put to me, Pedrito!

But he noticed her uneasiness and the involuntary movement of her hand toward her face, and he said:

— You have answered!

He rose and went away. He returned to his house, and as he was crossing the courtyard he

lifted his eyes to his wife's room and saw it blazing with light. He went up and knocked at the door. Hearing no answer, he opened it and entered. To his great astonishment — for the hour was late — he found Soledad bent over the piece of embroidery on which she worked and to which she devoted most of her time. He asked her:

— Why are you working at this late hour?

— I could not sleep, and I could not read, so I thought this work would occupy my mind.

— I have something to tell you, Soledad, but it will cause you great pain. You must be brave. Pepe Alvarez was not at Conchita's tonight. And I am sorry you did not go as well. Everyone believed the two