Pacita, without replying, called the attention of one of her sisters.
"Mercedes, look what a pretty bracelet the General has given to Esperanza."
The second of the Alcudias abandoned her rigidity for a moment, and taking Esperanza's arm examined the bracelet with interest.
"It is very pretty. And the General gave you that?" she asked, exchanging a meaning glance with her sister.
"Here comes Ramoncito," said Esperanza, looking towards the door.
"Ah! Ramoncito Maldonado."
A tall young man, slight and thin, very pale, with black whiskers which encroached on his nose, in the style adopted by his Majesty the King, and, following his example, by many of the youthful aristocracy, came into the room with a smile and proceeded to greet the company without any sign of shyness, taking their hands with a slight shake, and pressing them to his breast in the affected style which, a few years since, was the correct thing among the coxcombs of Madrid society. As he came in he filled the room with some penetrating scent.
"Heavens, what a poisonous atmosphere!" Pepa exclaimed in an undertone, after shaking hands with him. "What a puppy that fellow is!"
"Hallo! Old boy!" exclaimed this youngster, coolly taking Pinedo by the beard. "What were you doing yesterday? Pepe Castro called on you——"
"Pepe Castro called on me! So much honour overwhelms me!"