"APRIL 17.
"Your letter has given me great consolation. Yes; I can attainmy object, employing only the resources of the law, which will becompletely effectual for it. I have consulted the authorities of thisplace, and they all approve of the course you indicate. I am very gladof it. Since I have put into my cousin's mind the idea of disobedience,let it at least be under the protection of the law. I will do whatyou bid me, that is to say I will renounce the somewhat unworthycollaboration of Pinzon; I will break up the terrorizing solidaritywhich I established with the soldiers; I will cease to make a display ofthe power I derived from them; I will have done with adventures, andat the fitting moment I will act with calmness, prudence, and allthe benignity possible. It is better so. My coalition, half-serious,half-jesting, with the army, had for its object to protect me againstthe violence of the Orbajosans and of the servants and the relations ofmy aunt. For the rest, I have always disapproved of the idea of what wecall armed intervention.
"The friend who aided me has been obliged to leave the house; but I amnot entirely cut off from communication with my cousin. The poor girlshows heroic valor in the midst of her sufferings, and will obey meblindly.
"Set your mind at rest about my personal safety. For my part, I have nofear and I am quite tranquil."
"APRIL 20.
"To-day I can write only a few lines. I have a great deal to do. Allwill be ended within two or three days. Don't write to me again to thismiserable town. I shall soon have the happiness of embracing you.
"PEPE."