The luncheon was melancholy.
In spite of the efforts made by all, Gonzalo included, to seem unconcerned, a black cloud hung over the party and overshadowed their faces. After taking coffee, and sitting quiet a little while, Gonzalo said:
"Uncle, you left your bed to come here. You can not feel well. Shall a room be got ready for you? I believe you ought to go to bed." Then Don Melchor, seeing that his nephew wanted to be alone, said:
"No; I am going back to Sarrio. Let them put to."
He then took leave of Belinchon and Cecilia, and Gonzalo walked with him as far as the park gate. They were both silent and gloomy; and the old man was extremely pale. Before getting into the carriage, he gave his nephew a long and affectionate embrace, and in a broken voice he said in his ear:
"Strike him between air and water, my boy."
When they parted, his face was bathed in tears, and, getting into the carriage, he hid himself in a corner unable to say good-by.
Gonzalo looked after the vehicle and stood for some time motionless, holding by an iron bar of the gate.
Pablito returned from the town early in the evening. After dinner, he found an opportunity to say quickly to his brother-in-law:
"To-morrow at eight at Soldevilla's place. Pistols. Peña and Don Rudesindo will go by here at six. Be ready."