"
"But what has all this to do with my coming to see you?"
"It is difficult to explain, since you will not understand. When a
young man is accepted into a Spanish house, many things are taken
for granted. Besides that, we do not know each other, you and I.
Also, if you should come to see me, it would cause gossip,
misunderstanding among my friends."
"I'll declare myself in advance," he promised warmly.
"No, no, no! We Spanish-Americans do not care for strangers. We
have our own people and we are satisfied. You Yankees are not very
nice; you are barbarous; you assume such liberties. Our young men
are gentle, modest, sweet--"
"Um-m! I hadn't noticed it."
"This is the first time I have ever talked so freely with a
gentleman, and I suppose it is immodest. After all, it is much
better that old people who are of more experience should discuss
these questions."
"But don't you want to have a voice in your own affairs?" he
eagerly urged. "Do you really want your relatives to tell you whom
to meet, whom to love, and whom to marry?"
She answered, frankly: "Sometimes I feel that way. Yet at other
times I am sure they must know best."
"I don't believe you are the sort to shut your eyes and do exactly
as you're told.
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