I had already been fortunate enough to win the countenance of the duke, and from that day my rise was rapid.

Since then we have never met.

Dare I hope that it is now in the power of Calderon to prove himself not ungrateful ?" "Yes," said Fonseca, eagerly; "it is in your power to save me from the most absolute wretchedness that can befall me.

It is in your power, at least I think so, to render me the happiest of men!" "Be seated, I pray you, senor.

And how?
I am your servant." "Thou knowest," said Fonseca, "that, though the kinsman, I am not the favourite, of the Duke of Lerma ?" "Nay, nay," interrupted Calderon, softly, and with a bland smile; "you misunderstand my illustrious patron: he loves you, but not your indiscretions." "Yes, honesty is very indiscreet! I cannot stoop to the life of the ante-chamber.