On the
other hand, however, he could not live without me, and if I did not
return his love he was resolved to put a bullet through his brain.
Of course I instantly saw him with a bullet-hole in his forehead,
and shed tears for the poor young man. I did not want anybody to die
for my sake. I pictured to myself how beautiful it would be to make
a young man, without fortune or position, with nothing but his love
for me, happy, rich, and great by the gift of my hand. I showed the
letter to my mother, and asked her what was to be done. She at once
took up the young man's cause. My soul would most assuredly fall a
prey to the devil if I let poor Pozaldez kill himself. He was of
good family, and would soon make his way as the son-in-law of the
Marquis de Henares. I must unquestionably do something to raise his
spirits. My mother's advice coincided with my own feelings. I
allowed the count a secret interview, and he had permission to ask
my father for my hand. He did so in fear and trembling. He was
dismissed with scorn and contumely. My mother and I then used all
our influence to turn my father, and--I was married to Count
Pozaldez before I was seventeen."
She was silent for a little while, and then went on: "I will make my
story short.
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