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The next few days meander past. Nothing of note occurs, except for the arrival of your Uncle Pedro and Aunt Leonor for your coming-of-age ball. Your uncle is in fact financing the ball, with money gained from a recent successful campaign abroad, or you wouldn't be having one at all. Your parents could certainly never afford it.

Finally, your birthday arrives. Downstairs, your mother and father await the guests, talking with your aunt and uncle. Up in your pleasant, but plainly-furnished bedroom, your fourteen-year-old sister Magdalena helps you dress for the party.

Chattering without a pause for breath, Magdalena finishes tying all your laces. "There!" she says. "Now you can look!" You turn to look at yourself in the glass–a very fine mirror indeed, one of the few remnants of your family's former glory.

"You look splendid!" Magdalena declares.

And indeed, you are quite pleased with what you see reflected. The rich color of your gown complements your…