Pepa addressed herself from time to time to Jimenez Arbos; a few brief sentences in a low tone, which showed that they were on intimate terms, and at the same time revealed a desire to be prudent. Her conversation with Castro on her left was more animated.
"Why don't you advise Arbos to eat more meat?" he asked her.
"Why should I?"
"Because he ought to eat meat to give him strength to endure the fatigues of daily life."
"To be sure," said the widow, sarcastically. "But do you take care of yourself and leave others to settle their own affairs as Providence may guide them."
"Well, you see I manage to get fed."
"Yes, but do not let it go to your brain, or one fine day, when you least expect it, you may find yourself without a dinner."
"Have I offended you?" said the young man, laughing as if he had heard something very amusing.
"No, my dear fellow, no. I mean what I say. For my part I cannot think how Clementina can bear such a Narcissus as you."
"Hush! hush! Be careful, Pepa, pray be careful!" cried Castro, with an alarmed glance at the mistress of the house.