It was then Pablito's turn to be cross.
"I shall go when I feel inclined. You are always the one to spoil everything."
Young Belinchon meant to infer that his sister Venturita was the only one who failed to recognize the gifts which Heaven had bestowed on him, and this was true; and all the company laughed as if they had heard a passage from "Rabelais" instead of a cross remark. Doña Paula, who had an idolatrous admiration for her first-born, and nourished a grudge against the girl for her sharp remarks, which she considered were not warranted by her beauty, came to her son's assistance:
"You are quite right, Pablo! She always does throw cold water on any enjoyment. Goodness, what a girl! The man who takes her will have something to do to keep her in order."
At that moment Gonzalo appeared at the door of the room; he bent like a bow to shake hands with his future sister-in-law, Ventura, and Cecilia. The latter became serious, for, without turning her head, she knew that all the workers were looking out of the corners of their eyes, and she knew the kind of smile that wreathed their lips. Every day was alike. Before Gonzalo arrived the needlewomen lost no opportunity in teasing the bride.
"Cecilia, which of these garments will you wear the day of your wedding?"
"Señorita, you will sleep in these sheets, they are so fine."
"You won't be the only one to find them so."
"I say, you rogue, what a fine young man you've got. You won't have such a handsome fellow, Venturita."
"Who knows!" returned the girl.