"Why should we need to talk about the evil things that are done in the world? Fortunately, I have found a means of salvation: it is this hand; I will cling hold of it and be sure of being true and pure all my life long."
"How can you know that?... Ah, how foolish I am! I had forgotten that you went to confession only a few days ago."
"Yes; that was the way," said Miguel, who had likewise forgotten about it.
Afterwards, they talked about their domestic arrangement, their furniture, and the servants that they needed to hire.
Maximina argued that Juana and a cook would be sufficient. Miguel wanted another girl to do the sewing and laundry work. It was for this reason that he explained to his wife the extent of their resources.
"I have four thousand _duros_[10] income, but I want to let my sister and mamma have a thousand, so that they may live decently; ... with three thousand _duros_ a year we can get along first-rate."
"Oh! indeed we can.... Why don't you let your mamma and sister have half? Just think; they are used to luxury, and I am not.... I can get along with any kind of clothes."
"It is because I do not wish you to get along with any kind of clothes, but I want you to dress suitably."
"If you only knew how much it would please me to have you give half to your sister."
"It is impossible.... We must remember the possibility of children."
"Still, you would have a good deal left."
"You don't realize how much it costs to live in Madrid, dear."
"On the whole, we won't do either; we will split the difference. I will allow them thirty thousand _reales_, and we will content ourselves with fifty thousand. What I am afraid of is, that I shall get a rascally brother-in-law who will run through the property."
Thus chatting, they spent the time till ten o'clock, and then they decided to go to bed. Miguel arose first and helped his wife to her feet; they lighted the candle and went to their room.
Maximina, according to custom, "blessed" the chamber, repeating a number of prayers which she had learned in the convent. Then they tranquilly went to sleep.
Just before dawn Miguel thought that he heard a singular noise at his side, and woke up. Instantly he was aware that his wife was kissing him on the neck, again and again, very gently, evidently with the idea of not disturbing his slumber; then, in an instant, he heard a sob.