In the midst of his narrative the girl's eyes showed an
encouraging gleam, and when he described his interview with Torres
and Heran their surprise and dramatic indignation, she laughed
merrily.
"Oh, it wasn't funny at the time," he hastened to add. "I felt as
though I had actually proposed, and might have to pay alimony."
"Poor Maria! It is no light thing to be cast aside by one's lover.
She is broken-hearted, and for six months she will do penance."
"This penance thing is a habit with you girls. But I wasn't her
lover; I'm yours."
"Do not be foolish," she exclaimed, sharply, "or I shall be forced
to walk with my father."
"Don't do that. Can't you see we must make haste while the curtain
is down?"
"I do not see. I am strolling in search of the cool air." She
bowed and smiled at some passing friends. She seemed very
careless, very flippant. She was not at all the impetuous,
mischievous Chiquita he had met in the woods.
"See here!" he said, soberly. "We can't go on this way. Now that
I've met your father, I'm going to explain my intentions to him,
and ask his permission to call on you."
"We have a--proverb, senor, 'Ir por lana, y volver trasquilado,'
which means, 'Take heed lest you find what you do not seek.
Pages:
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329