"And to take my chance of such unpleasing meetings as this one."
Clementina smiled graciously.
"You ought not to pay compliments even indirectly, with such a pretty young lady by your side? Is she your daughter?"
"Yes, Señora—Señora de Osorio," he added, turning to the girl, who coloured with pleasure at hearing herself called pretty by this lady whom she knew well by sight and by name. She was herself pale and slender, with an olive complexion, small well-cut features, and soft merry eyes.
"I had heard that you had a very sweet daughter, but I see that reputation has not done her justice."
She blushed deeper than ever, and faintly murmured her thanks.
"Come, Clementina, do not go on or she will begin to believe you. This lady, Pilar," he continued to his daughter, "takes as much delight in telling pleasant fibs as others do in telling unpleasant truths."
"She is, I see, most amiable," said Pilar.
"Do not believe him. Any one can see how pretty you are."
"Oh, Señora——"