"See—see, Verona," said her grandmother, "I have dropped two—three stitches. Child, has it seemed to you that there is a change in Dominga?"
"No, Nani."
"Well, she has got a lover, or else I am an old fool."
"What makes you think so?"
"Many little things. She is quiet, she no longer squabbles—her thoughts are enough—they are pleasant. She dresses herself for hours—she writes much—she sees us no more, she is in another world with her secret. Oh, it is a big one—can you guess?"
"No; as far as I have seen, Dominga has many admirers, and one—who is more—little Mr. Young—but she does not care for him. Dominga is always reserved and mysterious—she likes having secrets."
"Perhaps she is wise! You know the proverb: 'Never make known one's wealth, one's remedies, one's lover, where one has hidden money, the good works one does, the insults one has received, or the debts one has contracted.'"
"Dominga makes known her debts, Nani—she owes two hundred rupees in the bazaar, and is at her wits' end."
"Chitt! she will coax her mother, and she will pay," rejoined Mrs. Lopez, with an air of easy confidence; "and here is Rosa coming back. My, my, what parcels! Oh, she has been spending a lot of money!" adding, with a laugh, "she will be so cross!"
The preparation for the tiffin party was on a sumptuous scale; there was a brand new white cloth—flowers—and dessert. The family wore their very best garments; even Mr. Chandos had put on a suit of old blue serge, in order to do honour to Verona's friend. Verona herself, with two great red spots on her cheeks, inwardly prayed that her expected guest would not come—and her prayer was answered.