"I wish I were. I should like to be good," replied the young wife, blushing.
"How much I would give to be like you, Maximina!"
"If you weren't better, you would be a pretty poor specimen."
"Oh! I am bad, Maximina, very bad!... But you will forgive all my failings, won't you?"
And struck by a sudden inspiration, she jumped up, saying:—
"I am going to the study to write a letter."
"Aren't you going to drink your tila?"
"Certainly I will take it; I will finish it afterward."
She went to her brother's writing-room, and began in all haste to pen the following note:—
"My dearest Maximina, my soul's sister: When you receive this, poor Julia will already have committed a great sin. I am going to Seville with Alfonso to beg his mother's permission for us to marry. Try to pacify ..."