In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

184 The Adventures of Gil Blas of Santillane tue, which might have deceived the whole world.” “Yes, truly, (said I, mingling in the conversation) she had a look that would have decoyed the most wary. I, myself, might have been trapanned10 by it.” The pretended Mendoza and Pacheco burst into a loud laugh, on hearing me talk thus: one, because I bore witness against an imaginary lady; and the other, on account of the expression I had used. We continued discoursing of women who have the art of dissembling; and the result of our conversation was, that Isabella was accused in due form, and convicted of being an arrant jilt. Don Lewis protested anew, that he would never see her, and Don Felix, by his example , swore he would always have the most perfect contempt for her. After these protestations , they professed a mutual friendship, and promised to conceal nothing from one another. Supper being over, they proceeded to compliments; and at last, parted to go to bed, each in his own apartment. I followed Aurora to hers, where I gave an exact account of the conversation I had with the doctor’s daughter; not forgetting the least circumstance.11 I thought she would have embraced me in the transport of her joy. “Dear Gil Blas, (said she) I am charmed with thy understanding! When one is so unfortunate as to be engaged in a passion which compels us to have recourse to stratagems ; it is a great advantage to have in our interests, such a sensible young fellow as thee. Courage, my friend; we have removed a rival who might have given us a world of trouble. That is no bad prognostic: but as lovers are subject to strange relapses, I think we must make a strong push, and bring Aurora de Gusman on the stage to-morrow.” I approved of the scheme, and leaving Signior Don Felix with his page, retired to bed. chapter vi. The stratagems practised by Aurora, to captivate Don Lewis de Pacheco. The two new friends meeting next morning, began the day with embraces, which Aurora was obliged to give and receive, in order to act the part of Don Felix. They went out to walk, and I accompanied them with Chilindron, the valet of Don Lewis; when stopping at the university, to look at the titles of books that were pasted on the gate,1 which a good many people amused themselves in reading, I perceived a little man among them, who gave his opinion of all the different works that were so published. I observed that he was heard with great attention, which I fancied at the same time, he believed was no more than his due: for he seemed vain and positive, as little men commonly are. “That new translation of Horace,2 (said he) which you see advertised in such large characters, is a work in prose, composed by an old collegeauthor ;—a book in great esteem among the students, who have already consumed four editions of it: and yet there is not one man of taste who has purchased so much as a single copy.” His judgment was not a whit more favourable for the other books, which Volume Two: IV.6 185 he ridiculed without exception. So that, in all likelihood, he was an author himself. I should not have been tired of hearing him to an end; but was obliged to follow Don Lewis and Don Felix, who being as little pleased with his discourse, as interested in the books which he censured, left him to the enjoyment of his own criticism. We came home at dinner-time, and my mistress sitting down at table with Pacheco, artfully turned the conversation on her own family. “My father (said she) is a cadet3 of the house of Mendoza, and settled at Toledo; my mother is sister to Donna Kimena de Gusman, who came to Salamanca some days ago, on an affair of importance, with her niece Aurora, the only daughter of Don Vincent de Gusman, whom, perhaps, you know.” “No, (replied Don Lewis) but I have often heard of him, as well as of your cousin Aurora. Am I to believe what is reported of her? I have been assured that nothing equals her understanding but her beauty.” “As for understanding (resumed Don Felix) she has a pretty good share, and that well cultivated: but I don’t think her so very handsome. People say that she and...

Share