"Ah!" said the cook. "Just a common servant! So! 'T is a common need, Veedor, shared by common and uncommon. I thank thee for thy confidence, Señor. I'll betray it to no man." And apparently considering the interview closed, Pedro gathered his reins to go.
"Wait!" shouted the veedor. "Blockhead, that is not all!"
"Not all, Señor! Thou hast need of two?"
The veedor piped a curse, then controlled himself and went on with a smile of forced amiability. "I mean it is not all I have to say, Pedro. In a few days—or less—I hope to share thy happiness."
"My happiness!" exclaimed Pedro, mystified. "Oh, I see! The Señor is going to turn cook."
"Damnation!" squeaked the veedor; then stifling his rage, he continued: "No, no! Not that. By thy happiness I mean thine inamorada, the Señora Bolio——"
"Oh, blessed saints!" interrupted Pedro. "Thou wouldst share my happiness in the Señora? Take it all, Señor! Take the whole of her. By heaven, I'll send her up entire! Wait but an hour." He started to turn his mule.
"Stop, fool!" choked the exasperated veedor; and grasping at a rein, narrowly escaped a kick. He sprang out of range with a gasp.
"Well," said Pedro, complacently, "I gave thee warning, Señor. But hast more to say?"
It was a minute before Rogelio regained his speech. "Yes!" he shrilled. "Perdition! Yes! If thou wilt but hold thy tongue!"