"
But Gregorio was by no means disposed to part from him. We do not
readily part from an old friend whom we rediscover in an
unsuspected state of affluence. Espinosa must home with Gregorio.
Gregorio's wife would be charmed to renew his acquaintance, and
to hear from his own lips of his improved and prosperous state.
Gregorio would take no refusal, and in the end Espinosa, yielding
to his insistence, went with him to the sordid quarter where
Gregorio had his dwelling.
About an unclean table of pine, in a squalid room, sat the
three--Espinosa, Gregorio, and Gregorio's wife; but the latter
displayed none of the signs of satisfaction at Espinosa's
prosperity which Gregorio had promised. Perhaps Espinosa observed
her evil envy, and it may have been to nourish it--which is the
surest way to punish envy--that he made Gregorio a magnificent
offer of employment.
"Enter my service," said he, "and I will pay you fifty ducats
down and four ducats a month."
Obviously they were incredulous of his affluence. To convince
them he displayed a gold watch--most rare possession--set with
diamonds, a ring of price, and other costly jewels. The couple
stared now with dazzled eyes.
"But didn't you tell me when we were in Madrid together that you
had been a pastry-cook at Ocana?" burst from Gregorio.
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