Evening star., 1928-10-17


When 1 arrived at the inn called
for supper, and, it being meager day,
was fain to put up with eggs, which
they got ready.
When the omelet I had spoken of
was ready sat down to table by my
self. I had not yet swallowed the first
mouthful when the landlord came In,
followed by man who had stopped
him in the street. This cavalier, who
wore a. long sword and seemed to be
about 80 years of age, advanced toward
me with an eager air. saying
Mr.. Student, I am informed that
you are that Signor Gil Bias of San
tillano who is the link of philosophy
the ornament of Oviedo. Is it possible
that you are that mirror of learning
that sublime genius whose reputation
is so great in this country? You know
not" continued he, addressing himself
to the innkeeper and his wife, you
know not what you posses! You have
treasure in your housel Behold in
this young gentleman the eighth wonder
of the world!"
Then, turning and throwing his arms
about my neck, Forgive" cried he,
my delight! I cannot contain the Joy
that your presence creates"
could not answer for some time,
because he locked me so close in his
arms that was almost suffocated for
want of breath. 1t was not till had
disengaged my head from his embrace
that I replied
"Signor Cavalier, I did not think
my name was known here"
How? Knownl" he resumed in his
former strain. I'VE keep a register
of all the celebrated names within 20
leagues of us. You in particular are
looked upon as prodigy, and I don't
at all doubt that Spain will one day be
as proud Of you as Greece was of her
Seven Sages."
These words were followed by fresh
hug, which I was forced to endure,
though at the risk of strangulation.
With the little experience 1 had ought
not to have been the dupe of these pro-
fessione and hyperbolical compliments.
I ought to have known by his extrava-
| CANT flattery that he was one of these
parasites which abound in every town,
and who when stranger arrives intro
duce themselves to him in order to fill
| their bellies at his expense. But my
youth and vanity made me judge other
wise. My admirer appeared to me to
| be so much of a gentleman that I in
vited him to take a share of my supper.
Als Will Oil lily SOuI. CIlcu Hc. i
am too much obliged to my kind stars
for having thrown me in the way of
the illustriouS Gil Bias not to enjoy my
good fortune as long as can. I have
no great appetite" pursued he, but
will sit down to bear you COMPANY and
eat mouthful purely out of COM
plaisance." .-er.
So saying. my panegyrist took his
place opposite me, and a cover being
laid for him he attacked the omelet as
voraciously as If he had tasted three
whole days. BY his complaisant Begin
ming foresaw that our dish would not
last long. and therefore ordered a
second. which they dressed with such
dispatch that it was served just as we
OR rather he-had made an end of
The first.
He proceeded on this with the same
vigor, and found means without losing
one stroke of his teeth to overwhelm
me with praises during the whole re-
past, which made me very well pleased
with my sweet self. He drank in pro-
portion to his eating-sometimes to
my health, sometimes to that of my
father and mother whose happiness in
having such son as me he could not
long enough admire.
All the while he piled me with wine
ana INSISTED upon my doing MIN justice,
while I toasted health for health. a
circumstance which, together with his
intoxicating fattery, put me into such
good humor that, seeing our second
omelet half deyoured. asked the land
lord If he had no fish in the house.
Signor Corcuelo, who in all likeli-
hood had fellow feeling with the para
site. replied:
II have a delicate trout, but those
who eat it must pay for the sauce
'Tis bit too dainty for your palate,
doubt"
What do you call too dainty?" said
the sycophant, raising his voice.
YOU'RE a wiseacre, indeed Know
that there is nothing in this house too
good for Signor Gil Bias de Santillano
who deserved to be entertained like a
prince"
I was pleased at his laying hold of
the landlords last words, in which he
prevented me. who, finding myself Of
Tended, said with an air of disdain:
Produce this trout of yours, CATER
Corcuelo. and give yourself no trouble
about the consequence"
This was what the tnnkeeper wanted.