"He has just breathed his last," answered the Jesuit.

"His illness--so sudden--defied all aid.

Sandoval y Roxas is with the saints." The governor, who was, as the reader may suppose, one of the sacred body, crossed himself, and answered.--"With whom will rest the appointment of the successor?
Who will be first to gain the ear of the king ?" "I know not," replied the Jesuit; "but I am at this instant summoned to Uzeda.

Pardon my haste." So saying, Aliaga glided away.
"With Sandoval y Roxas," muttered Don Juan, "dies the last protector of Calderon and Lerma: unless, indeed, the wily marquis can persuade the king to make Aliaga, his friend, the late cardinal's successor.

But Aliaga seeks Uzeda--Uzeda his foe and rival.