then took the desperate; resolution of meeting the dreadful Cabal in their own repair alone, there to destroy or perish among them.
I was coolly bent on this resolution, and bade defiance to all dangers. Several weeks passed in making preparations, and I considered myself as a dying man. I made a will, delivered it to my friends,and under the pretence of going on a long journey, appointed Don Antonio the care and management of the villa which had now been given to me, and likewise to the rest of my personal and landed property. I concealed a good quantity of poison under my clothes, to escape a long and lingering death, in case the Cabal should seize me alive.
Meanwhile word was brought me, that Don Pedro had returned without his wife. He visited me a few days afterwards, and every trace of human benevolence seemed to be obliterated from his character. He was extremely cool and reserved, and I repaid him his frigidity in fullest measure. Whenever I mentioned Francisca's name, he was mute and melancholy, and if I dropt any inquisitive
