"Yes, it is I," replied Venturita in the same tone.
"Do you want me to come up?"
"No," returned the girl, as much as to say, "Why do you ask, sir?" Gonzalo mounted the staircase on the tips of his toes.
"We must not stay here; we shall be seen," said Venturita, taking his hand and leading him along the passage to the dining-room.
There Gonzalo took a seat without leaving hold of her hand.
"I thought I was not going to see you again to-day. What a temper you have, child!" he said, smiling.
Venturita's face clouded.
"If they did not irritate me every minute, I should not have one."
"But recollect, it was your mother who reprimanded you," he replied with a smile.
"What?" she exclaimed passionately. "Why is my mother to annoy me every hour and every minute? If she thinks I am going to stand it she is greatly mistaken. She does not mind what that boor does; she will do anything for him. There is nothing but spoiling for him! Look here, Gonzalo, if you want us to be friends, don't interfere with me." And at these words, uttered in an angry tone, her eyes flamed with rage, and she gave a violent pull at her hand to release it. But this Gonzalo did not allow, and kissing it passionately several times, he said, laughing: