The division of these parties was not based upon the fact that the one, that of the Casona, represented the traditional and conservative element, while that of the Casiña stood for the progressive and liberal, the first having often been seen taking the side of "liberal administrations," and the other sustaining the cause of the "moderate" candidate. The quarrel was kindled solely by the eagerness for controlling local politics, and thus of being in last analysis the masters of the village. The rest was not of the least consequence. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that Don Martín's party had marked tendencies towards absolutism. In Don Servando's, on the other hand, there was no noticeable predilection for liberty.
It was this Don Servando, who, as Miguel alighted from the diligence and received him, took him home, willy nilly. He was a fat man of medium height, and was approaching his seventieth birthday; his face, with its deep red complexion, was adorned with short gray whiskers; he wore a very long, black frock coat, and black hongo besides.
"Have I the honor of addressing Señor Corcuera," he asked him very politely, with a strong Galician accent.
"No, sir; my name is Miguel Rivera, at your service."
"That is very good," the Galician replied, and addressing himself to a servant, he said: "Muchacho, look up the gentleman's luggage, and take charge of it. I will tell you where it has to be carried."
"I suppose that you are Señor Bustelo," Miguel hastened to say.
"We will have a chance to talk as we go around yonder corner. You will do me the favor to follow me."
And Don Servando set forth with firm and deliberate step toward the corner indicated. Miguel followed him without understanding what it all meant.
When they had reached there, Don Servando said to him, without looking at him, and as though he were speaking with the above-mentioned corner:—
"I received word from the Señor Governor that you were to arrive this afternoon, and I take it for granted that you will do me the honor of accepting modest hospitality at my house."