It was dusk by the time Pilar called for her carriage; she ordered the coachman to drive her to the Fúcar’s house in Madrid.
She went in. Don Pedro and his daughter were just sitting down to dinner with Don Onésimo and Doña Vera. Fúcar invited Pilar to join them, but she excused herself, saying that she had only just time to give them the good news of which she was the bearer. She kissed Pepa, she gave her hand to Onésimo and then began to pet Monina.
“What is it?” asked Don Pedro.
“That María is really almost well again. And it is quite certain that a reconciliation would be effected—Milagros herself told me so. I am so glad! I cannot bear marriages that turn out badly.—My little Monina, will you not give me a kiss?”
“No,” said Monina decidedly, turning away and covering her face with her little hands.
“Oh, silly, cruel child!”
“I do not love you....”
Repulsed on this quarter Pilar turned to Pepa, and glancing at her compassionately she said:
“Good-bye dear ... you know I feel deeply for all your troubles.”