"Well, but having sons does not hinder you from going to the opera or out driving."
Clementina seated herself between her sister-in-law and the Marquesa de Alcudia; the rest resumed their seats.
"Oh, my dear!" Señora de Calderón went on, "if you could have seen what a cold I caught at the play the other night. It was all the fault of that goose Ramon Maldonado; with all his bowing and scraping he could not manage to shut the door of the box. The draught pierced my very bones."
"Happy was that draught!" remarked General Patiño with a gallant smile.
Every one else smiled, excepting the lady addressed, who gazed at him in amazement, opening her eyes very wide.
The General had to explain that it was a covert compliment, and not till then did she reward him with a smile.
"And was not Gayarre delightful?" said Clementina.
"Admirable, as he always is," replied Señora de Calderón.
"He seems to me to want style of manner," the General suggested.