"Always the same!" grumbled the old man, not so vexed as he ought to have been. "I don't know why she can't leave out what is necessary. It is true that I generally get up late, but there may be cases of important business, like to-day."
"Shall I go and ask for an ounce of chocolate from a neighbor?"
"No, there is no need. I am sure Matilda would be vexed. Is there nothing to eat handy?"
The servant did not answer for some seconds.
"No, señor; there is nothing. You know that the señora——"
"Yes, yes, I know."
Don Mateo went to the sideboard and began pulling open the drawers. Nothing—there was nothing but the table utensils: spoons, forks, corkscrew, etc.; but some chocolate drops and a plate of biscuits could be seen through the glass cupboard door.
"Caramba! if there were only a key," and drawing out his own bunch he proceeded to try the lock with each key on the ring, but his efforts were fruitless. At last in despair he readjusted his spectacles, put on his hat, and was starting off on his expedition, saying:
"Well, well, we will fast to-day."
But before arriving at the door he turned round and said abruptly to the maid: