THE SCANDAL

Written in 1875, this -- so far as we know -- is the first translation of a novel depicting Madrid of that period and the conflicting concepts of chivalry, Spanish customs, social and religious influences. Almost it might be termed a ""true confession"" of its day, with period appeal as well as the story-within-a-story style. Madrid of 1861 as setting for the unburdeming to saintly Father Manrique of the mental and spiritual tte of the Count of Umbria. From Fabian's disbelief in God, to the necessity of hiding his real tity because of the scandal surrounding his father's , and the of his to broken when she learns the truth of his relationship with her aunt, to the tortuous friendships with Lre and Dgo -- is lead by the Father to rebirth of belief, and finally to the decision to give away his wealth and sue again for Gabriela's hand. Diego helps him, but Diege's wife creates another dal, and only Diege's death gives him a fresh chance.