"What a terrible blow to my illusions, aunt! Your daughter has not dared to say thou to me.... These cursed gray hairs!"
Julita flushed a deep crimson.
"That is not the reason!"
"Then it is because you have been prejudiced against me; confess it!... But it is not my fault either that I am old, or that your mamma has disturbed you on my account."
Julita, flushing deeper and deeper, did not know how to defend herself; her mother came to her aid.
"It is neither the one thing nor the other, Alfonso; the trouble is that, as having never met you before, she is confused."
"Is that so?" he asked his cousin, at the same time looking at her with a bright smile.
Julita gave an affirmative gesture, and returned his smile.
"That is not so bad.... But I still feel a keen sense of remorse. It will be very gratifying to me if you will tell me that I am forgiven."
Julita, with difficulty overcoming the timidity that choked her, said in a low tone:—