Don Rosendo thought it behooved him to frown severely and say in a solemn tone:
"You have behaved badly, Ventura; go and ask your mother's pardon."
We know that he was absent-minded, always absorbed in some idea, so this domestic episode only partially roused him from his preoccupation. Nevertheless, seeing his child obstinate, supercilious, and angry, he repeated his command with greater firmness.
"Come, daughter, go and ask your mother's pardon, seeing that you have been rude to her."
The girl made her usual scornful pout and murmured under her breath:
"As if I should think of doing such a thing!"
"Come, Venturita, what are you muttering there? Come, before I get angry."
"Do, do, Venturita; don't behave like that," implored all the needlewomen in low tones.
"Don't bother me. Will you leave me in peace?" she retorted, also in a low tone, albeit an angry one.
"Won't you do as I tell you?" now demanded Don Rosendo, with increased severity, "won't you?" But the girl sat silent and motionless.