Martí came to my aid, cutting off the discussion in a jocular fashion.
"Do you know what is the destiny of woman according to my brother-in-law, Sabas?"
All looked up, including the one spoken of.
"Sewing on buttons."
"I don't see why you say that," muttered Sabas, ill-humoredly, taking his pipe in his hand.
"Why shouldn't I say it? There isn't a man in the Peninsula who has lost more buttons than you! Yet I could not mention one of having gone to your house and not finding Matilde sewing on some."
Sabas muttered some unintelligible words.
"What does she say?" asked Martí.
"Yes, he loses enough!" said the plump lady, laughing.
But her husband, coloring, gave Martí a severe glance.