The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-01-24

But Don Alfonso did not need to go to war. Before he and Gil Bias had reached the boundaries of Spain the news reached them that the Count of Poldan had pardoned him and would give him his daughter as wife in grati- tude for his rescue.
 Don Alfonso did not walt to be told twice. He returned as fast as hiA horse could carry him.. and forced Gil Bias to go with him. No time was lost in celebrating the wedding, and when Don Alfonso took possession of the beautiful country seat that he won with his bride he made Gil Bias his steward.
 The first mission of the new steward was to carry 5000 ducats to the de- spoiled merchant. Gil Bias could not help thinking that 1t would be bril- liant beginning of his career as stew ard if he were to keep the money him self. since none ever could find 1t out. But he overcame the thought, and in his subsequent career remained simi- larly honest, not even blackmailing the servants or the tradespeople. In short, he was a true miracle of 8 stew" ard.
 l. Fate was not content, however, to let Gil Bias find peace so soon. Sera ph ina's old nurse fell in love with him. despite her age. He did not like her. and did not know that to despise an offer of affection is to commit crime that women never forgive. The disappointed old creature made 1t so hot for him that he left his lucrative post despite the efforts of Don Al fonso, who protested that he would See all the duennas in Spain to the devil rather than to lose his steward and friend.
 Gil Bias rode to Granada, where a relative of Don Alfonso obtained for him the position of secretary to the Archbishop. He made good impress sion and soon became the venerable prelates right hand. The Archbishop was very proud of his sermons, and Gil Bias was fortunate enough to praise the very passages that the dig nitary liked best himself. Overjoyed he complimented Gil Bias on his ex- cellent and exquisite taste and prom ised him that he would look out for his future.
 There is one thing that I demand | from you, Gil Blas," said he. "I wish to avoid the mistake of most authors who continue to write after their power has departed. If you should notice that my pen weakens with age or that I fall below my own level you must tell me at Once.''
 Two months after this converse tior the Archbishop suffered stroke Of apoplexy and his very next sermon showed the result only too clearly ! Gil Bias hinted that 1t was not quite up to the mark. The prelate became a little pale and asked with a forced smile: "Then this sermon has not earned the praise of Senor Gil Blas"
 Way, nay" said Gil Bias, alarmed "on the contrary. find 1t admirable but not so excellent as your previous ones. I pray you most humbly tc pardon my boldness."
 God forbid" replied the Archbish- op. God forbid that should be SC unjust as to reprove you for such 8 virtue as sincerity. But l grieve for you. because I see how terribly I was mistaken as to your understanding. see now that you are too young, good son. to distinguish the true from the l false. Know, then, that never in my l life have I preached a better sermon than this one that has the misfortune of not pleasing you. In the future | shall have to be more cautious in my choice of critics, that I may gather around me persons who have some power of mind. Go. go," continued he pushing Gil Bias out of his room by the shoulders. "go. let my treasurer give you 100 ducats, and with this sum may Heaven be your guide. Fare well, Senor Gil Bias, I wish you all possible fortune and a little more l good taste.'
 Gil Bias had tasted too much of the life of great places to be content with anything else. He experienced that common and wonderful sense oi how the most trifling notice for tho great penetrates the very soul of those who are not accustomed to it He thought he had learned that life is matter of diamond cutting dia- mond; and he decided that the sim per of a simpleton would be no bad counter to the attack of sharpers. Els ] timatinR his own talents with tht