.

THE LOVER AND THE CONFIDANT.
Calderon received the young soldier at the door of his chamber with marked and almost affectionate respect.

"Don Martin," said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, "I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.

I date my fortunes from the hour in which I was placed in your father's house as your preceptor.

When the cardinal-duke invited you to Madrid, I was your companion; and when, afterwards, you joined the army, and required no longer the services of the peaceful scholar, you demanded of your illustrious kinsman the single favour--to provide for Calderon.