He was not grateful for the change,
for he did not like Stephanie, and, judging from the sombre
suspicion of the black woman's glances, the feeling was mutual.
The conversation took perforce a less personal nature in her
presence, yet Kirk departed with a feeling of exaltation. Beyond
doubt his suit was progressing, slowly, perhaps, but still
progressing.
His understanding of Spanish customs received a considerable
enlargement on the following day, when he met Ramon Alfarez
outside the railroad office. Ramon had evidently waited purposely
for him, and now began to voice some unintelligible protest in the
greatest excitement.
"You'll have to play it all over again," Kirk advised him. "I'm
only just learning to conjugate the verb 'amar.' What seems to be
the trouble this time?"
"Ha! For the moment I forgot your ignorance, but onderstan' this,
detestable person, it is time you shall answer to me."
"Cheerfully! Ask your questions slowly."
"Onderstan' further," chattered the Spaniard, "regardless of the
'appenings to me, it shall never come to pass. Soch disgraceful
occurrence shall never transpire; of that be assure', even if it
exac' the las' drops of blood in the veins of me. I 'ave despised
you, senor, an' so I 'ave neglec' to keel you, being busy with
important affairs of government.
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