Clementina was growing more and more impatient, longing vehemently to get away. Still, she would not go, for fear her father should insist on accompanying her. The Minister was the first to depart, taking leave with the same impressive absent-mindedness, never looking at the person he addressed, but up at the ceiling. The Duke meanwhile had quite taken possession of the widow, displaying such effusive gallantry that he might have been about to make her a declaration of love. The General, observing this, said to Pinedo:
"Look how eager the Duke has become! He is certainly making love to Pepa."
"No," replied the other very gravely. "He is making love to the transfer of the Riosa Mining Company."
At this moment Pepa Frias announced in a loud voice that she was going.
"Where are you off to, next?" asked the banker.
"To Lhardy's shop, to buy some Italian sausages."
"Do—and I will treat you to some little tarts."
The Duke was delighted to accept the invitation.
"Come along, too, child?" she added to her daughter.