"But does not the count bring you lots of toys? Does he not take you in his carriage to the Grange? Has he not brought you the little waggon?"
"Yes, but he is not my godfather."
The group received this reply with a smile. They knew that the child lied, for Don Pedro was not a man to inspire any one with affection.
"But I think the count is also your—fa—godfather."
"No such thing. I have only one godfather," returned the child, now getting angry. And then she left the group.
She then went to where Amalia was, and placing herself before her, she crossed her little arms upon her chest, and making a curtsey, said:
"Godmother, your blessing."
Whereupon the lady gave her her hand, which the child kissed with reverence. Then, taking her in her arms, she kissed her on the forehead.
"You must go to bed, my daughter. Go and ask your godfather for his blessing."
So the child went to the library. These old world customs were a great pleasure to the Señor de Quiñones. Josefina approached him timidly. That great paralysed gentleman always inspired her with dread, although she tried to hide it according to her godmother's injunctions.