“Well, señor, you are Don Guzman de la Rosa’s guest. If this is meant for an apology—”
“For having offended you—yes. Being Don Guzman’s guest, I could not quarrel with his nephew.”
“I accept, the apology,” said Don Manoel, with much solemnity, and accepting Cherry’s hand.
“But,” said Alvar, “you applied an expression to my brother.”
“Oh, nonsense, Alvar; you know we never think of ‘expressions’ when we are angry; and I’m not aware of having had any opportunity of showing either cowardice or courage.”
“H’m,” said Mr Stanforth, in English, “a tolerably cool head, I think.”
Don Manoel, who appeared to have made up his mind to be magnanimous, remarked that his expression had been used too hastily to a stranger; but that a true Spaniard would look on any scene with equanimity. Cherry’s lip curved a little, as if he thought this a doubtful advantage; but he answered with a laugh,—
“I am a stranger, señor; and besides, I was fatigued.”
“Ah,” said Manoel, “that amounts to an entire excuse. The expression is withdrawn.”
And with a profound bow to Cheriton, he went away, and Cherry burst out laughing.