He promises it, and he takes him and carries him to the door of Marie Louise’s house. This angel was the soul which he had saved of the man who was lying at the gates of the church for his debts. He asks for alms. Marie Louise’s father was very charitable; they therefore give him something. He asks again if they would not let him go in to warm himself at the fire. They tell him “No,” that he would be in the way on that day. They go and ask the master, and the master bids them to let him come in and to give him a good dinner.
Marie Louise was already married when Juan Dekos arrived. He had a handsome handkerchief which Marie Louise had given him, and when she passed he showed it in such a way that she could not help seeing it. She saw it clearly, and after looking closely at him she recognises Juan Dekos. Marie Louise goes to find her father, and says to him:
“Papa, you must do me a pleasure.”
“Yes, yes, if I can do so.”
“You see that poor man? I wish to have him to dine with us to-day.”
The father says, “That cannot be; he is filthy and disgusting.”
“I will wash him, and I will put him some of your new clothes on.”
The father then says, “Yes,” and he makes them do as Marie Louise wished. They place him at table, but Marie Louise alone recognised him. After dinner they asked Juan Dekos to tell a story in his turn like the rest.
He says, “Yes, but if you wish to hear my story you must shut all the doors and give me all the keys.”
They give them to him.