While he took his chocolate, he was genial and jolly, as never before, making the good señora roar with his anecdotes. Utrilla was not naturally facetious, nor was he apt to be good-natured when he got up early; but he felt that, in these exceptional circumstances, it was very necessary to vary his habits; for he was a practical man, and had no rival as a connoisseur in such matters.
"Come, now, I am going from here to the Campo Santo," said he, putting on his hat and taking his cane.
"But is the service in the cemetery, Jacobito?"
"No; there is a mass in the chapel.... You would not like me to remain there, would you?"
"Where?"
"In the cemetery."
"Ave María! What jokes you do make, Jacobito!"
He gave a laugh that partook of an hysterical character. He took his gloves from his pocket; but before putting them on, he drew off a finger ring and handed it to the housekeeper, saying:—
"This ring you will please send to Don Miguel Rivera's house, and ask them to give it to him when he returns."
"Is it a present?"