It happened to be about this very time that Enrique made up his mind "to
drag the honor and good name of his family through the mire." In fact,
he presented himself one afternoon at Miguel's house, and confided to
him his project, telling him with tears in his eyes that it was not his
intention to drag anything through the mire, and far less the honor of
the family, but simply to fulfil the bond which he had undertaken, and
the words which he had given to Manolita.
"I am a gentleman, Miguel. I cannot decently go back on this little
girl. Put yourself in my place. I am well aware that my family are right
in opposing this marriage, but I swear to you that it is not my wish to
injure its good name. Why should I? What good would it do me to drag it
through the mire, I should like to know!"
"That is evident; you have no occasion to revenge yourself on the good
name of your family."
"Of course not!"
Then with much hesitation and timidity he confessed that he had a plan.
It cost great trouble to make him reveal it.
Finally, by dint of entreaties, he declared that if Maximina would do
him the honor of being the _madrina_ at his wedding he should consider
himself the happiest mortal in the universe. After he had said that he
repented, the more as he saw that Miguel remained lost in thought; he
then became so conscience-stricken that he flung his hat on the floor,
and began to call himself names, and tear his hair.
"What does this mean, Enrique? Have you gone mad? As far as I am
concerned there is no objection to it in the least. Ask her yourself,
and if she consents, it is done."
"No, I won't ask her. Manolita is an honest girl, but of a very humble
station in life. All those who will be present at the wedding will be
also 'children of the people.' 'The lowest of the low,' do you see, my
lad? We must call things by their right names. Your wife will not want
to be there, and right she is."