The Cornet-Player.
From the Spanish of Pedro A. de Alarcon.
[Pedro Antonio de Alarcon was born in 1833, at Guadix, in the province of Granada. Having studied philosophy in Granada, he returned to Guadix to follow an ecclesiastical calling, but soon abandoned it for a literary career, which was more to his taste. He went to Madrid, and contributed to several papers, his attractive style making a decided impression. When the Revolution broke out in 1854, Alarcon started a Republican paper; but his enthusiasm for Republican ideas appears to have been of short duration. The war in Africa afforded him an opportunity to satisfy his desire for adventure; rifle and pen alternately in hand, he followed the military operations; and wrote his very successful "Diary of an Eye-Witness." He took part in politics, becoming in turn deputy and senator; but finally abandoned everything in favour of literary work. His stories and poems enjoy considerable popularity. When he published the following story he declared that it would be his last; and, to the grief of his admirers, so it proved. He died in July last, after years of suffering.]
"
H! Don Basilio, do play us a tune upon the cornet, so that we can have a dance!"
"Yes, yes, Don Basilio! Do play the cornet!"
"Bring Don Basilio the cornet which Joaquin had when he was learning."
"It is not a very good one, but you will play it, will you not, Don Basilio?"
"No!"
"Why not?"
"Because I cannot!"
"Oh!" (derisively). "Why, you used to be a bandmaster in an infantry regiment!"
"Well, yes; it is quite true. I used to
