"Mighty well," cried she as he entered, "you've come at last; after
rambling about until this hour of the night. I wonder you have not
brought home another Moor as a housemate." Then bursting into tears,
she began to wring her hands and smite her breast: "Unhappy woman that
I am!" exclaimed she, "what will become of me? My house stripped and
plundered by lawyers and alguazils; my husband a do-no-good, that no
longer brings home bread to his family, but goes rambling about day
and night, with infidel Moors! O my children! my children! what will
become of us? we shall all have to beg in the streets!"
Honest Peregil was so moved by the distress of his spouse, that he
could not help whimpering also. His heart was as full as his pocket,
and not to be restrained. Thrusting his hand into the latter he hauled
forth three or four broad gold pieces, and slipped them into her
bosom. The poor woman stared with astonishment, and could not
understand the meaning of this golden shower. Before she could recover
her surprise, the little Gallego drew forth a chain of gold and
dangled it before her, capering with exultation, his mouth distended
from ear to ear.
"Holy Virgin protect us!" exclaimed the wife. "What hast thou been
doing, Peregil? surely thou hast not been committing murder and
robbery!"
The idea scarce entered the brain of the poor woman, than it
became a certainty with her.
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