well acquainted with him to treat him such discourtesy."
On the eve of the day that Mariana's uncle was expected Simon went to Mariana's house, and as soon as he entered he became aware of a great commotion in the family. He felt anxious, but Mariana's merry laugh reassured him, while she exclaimed:
"We have a letter from my uncle!:"
So saying, she placed this document in his hand:
"My Dear Sister:—I hasten to write to because bad news travels fast, and I pear to set your mind at rest. We were shipwrecked off Teneriffe and the sea has swallowed up our vessel and all the cargo. We have been saved, though some of the other passengers were drowned. All my wealth has disappeared in the bottom of the ocean. I do not regret it for myself as much as for your dauguter, for those millions were intended for her dowry. But we must be resigned. God gives and He taketh away. I know that you will feel consoled for this loss when you know that my life has been spared. We can live on what property I still have left. All that I care for now is to see you once again.
"Your Affectionate Brother."
Simon read the letter with a trembling voice, but when he found that it was dated the 13th of the month he became deathly pale, and sank into a chair, entirely overcome.
Mariana's laughter froze on her lips as she saw Simon turn as pale as a corpse.
