"A fortnight, at least. It was on a Monday; Pacita was here. And this is Saturday; so you see—thirteen days."
No one recollected so precisely when Maldonado had called last. Castro accepted this proof of interest with entire indifference.
"I did not think it was so long. How the time flies!" said he profoundly.
"Evidently. It flies for you—away from us."
The young man smiled affably, and asked leave to light a cigar. Then he said:
"No. It flies fastest when I am with you."
"Faster than with Clementina?" asked the girl in an innocent tone, which betrayed no malice. But Castro looked at her gravely. His connection with Osorio's wife had hitherto remained more or less a secret; and that it should be known here, in her sister-in-law's house, disturbed him. Esperancita blushed scarlet under his inquiring gaze.
"Much the same," he said coolly. "We are very good friends."
"Are you going there to-day?" asked Mariana, not observing this by-play.
"Yes; Ramon and I are going—Saturday? Isn't it? And you?"