"Hush, wretch! A nice specimen you must have been in your day!"
Patiño would bite his lips with annoyance. In his day! He who fancied his day was still at its noon! But his amazing diplomatic talent enabled him to dissimulate, and smile in bland reply.
"How much did you give for that bracelet?" Pacita inquired of Esperanza, who was wearing a very pretty and fanciful trinket.
"The General gave it me a few days ago."
"Indeed! The General evidently makes you a great many presents then?" said her friend, with a slightly ironical tone which the girl did not understand.
"Oh, yes. He is very kind. He is always giving us things. He gave my little sister a beautiful locket to wear at her neck."
"And does he make presents to your mamma?"
"Yes, sometimes."
"And what does your papa say?"
"Papa!" exclaimed Esperanza, opening her eyes in surprise, "What should he say?"