Languages & literature > Adventures of Gil Blas of Santillane > Volume 1

GIL BL AS. 49
my in the fervice of his king, was killed in
rtugal, at the head of his own regiment, and
; me fo moderately provided, that though I
$ an only child, I was far from being a good
tch. I did not want admirers, however, in
te of the lownefs of my fortune: a good many
the molt conliderable cavaliers in Spain made
:ir addreffes to me; but he who attracted my
ention moft, was Don Alvaro de Mello: he
s indeed more handfome than any of his ri-
is'; but more fubftantial qualifications deter-
ned me in his favour: he was endowed with
iidence, probity and valour, and withal the
•ft gallant man in the world: when he gave
‘ertainments, nothing could be more elegant,
1 when he appeared at tournaments, every
ily admired his vigour and addrefs: I preferred
n therefore to all others, and married him ac-
fdingly.
A few days after our marriage, he happened
meet with Don Andrea de Baefa, who had
sn one of his rivals, in a private place, where
arrelling with each other, they came to blows,
l Don Andrea loft his life in the rencounter,
he was nephew to the corregidor of Vallado-
i a violent man, and mortal enemy to the fa-
Hy of Mello, Don Alvaro knew he could not
live the city too foon: he returned home in a
rry, and while they faddied his horfe, told me
Hat had happened.—“ My dear Mencia, (faid
♦ we muft part! You know the corregidor:
Yt let us then flatter ourfelves, for he will pro-
jute me with the utmoft rancour; and as you
; not ignorant of his credit, you know I can-
. be fafe in this kingdom.” He was fo much
letrated with his own forrow, and with that
ich he law take poflefiion of my breaft, that
Vol. I. F he