"Because you are so very ugly."
"Thank you," she returned, with her face bright with gratified vanity.
"There is no one uglier than you in Sarrio; not in the whole world."
"You have seen uglier in the countries where you have been."
"I assure you, no."
"Holy Mother of Amparo! Then I must be a monster," she cried, accepting the flattering hyperbole of the words.
"Somebody is coming!" said Gonzalo, suddenly turning grave.
Venturita went to the door.
"It is only the cook passing," she said, turning back into the room.
"I think we are in danger here. Suppose your mother or one of the girls came in—or Cecilia" (he added in a low voice)—"what excuse could we give?"