I will serve you in any way in my power--" "You cannot serve me in any way," answered Dona Ana cruelly.

"I am trying to help you," she added, with a sudden change of tone.

"You see, my dear General, you are no longer young.

At your age, with your name and your past services, you should have been a grandee and a rich man.
You have thrown away your opportunities of advancement, and you have contented yourself with an office which is highly honourable--but poorly paid, is it not?
And there are younger men who court it for the honour alone, and who are willing to be served by their friends." "Who is my successor ?" asked Mendoza, bravely controlling his voice though he felt that he was ruined.
The skilful and cruel woman began to mount the steps in silence, in order to let him suffer a few moments, before she answered.

Reaching the top, she spoke, and her voice was soft and kind.
"No one," she answered, "and there is nothing to prevent you from keeping your post as long as you like, even if you become infirm and have to appoint a deputy--but if there were any serious cause of complaint, like this extraordinary behaviour of Dolores--why, perhaps--" She paused to give her words weight, for she knew their value.
"Madam," said Mendoza, "the matter I keep from you does not touch my honour, and you may know it, so far as that is concerned.