I observed that warts were easily removed when contracted accidentally,
but that those which appeared at the birth were no more to be removed
than moles. I then turned the conversation, by stating that I could not
consider her conduct criminal; it was more than could be expected from
human nature, that she should not retain affection for one who had lived
with her as a husband, and died for her sake. I gave her absolution for
half a dozen Ave-Marias, and took my leave for the night. When I lay on
my pallet, I reflected upon what had passed; the year and month agreed
exactly with the time at which I had been sent to the Asylum. A wart, as
she very truly observed, might disappear. Might not I be the very son
whom she was lamenting? The next morning I repaired to the Asylum, and
demanded the date of my reception, with all the particulars, which were
invariably registered in case of the infants being eventually claimed.
It was in the month of February. There was one other entry in the same
month, same day, and nearly the same hour as my own.
"At nine at night, a male infant left at the door in a basket, parties
absconded, no marks, named Anselmo."
"At ten at night, a male infant brought to the door in a capote, parties
absconded, no marks, named Jacobo."
It appeared then that there were two children brought within an hour of
each other to the Asylum, and that I was one of them. In the evening I
returned to the old lady, and accidentally resumed the subject of her
not having made further search for her child, and asked if she had the
precise date.
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