“Ah, Senhora,” he exclaimed, “the rules are peremptory. Let us not infringe them. A good example should be set by the higher classes.”
When they ascended the steps, Luiza thought to herself,—
“He is going home now; I will part from him at Loreto.”
In the street of S. Roque she glanced at the clock in a confectioner’s; it was half-past twelve. Bazilio was already waiting for her. She quickened her pace, and when they reached Loreto she paused. The counsellor looked at her smiling, and waited.
“Ah, I thought you were going home, Counsellor,” she said.
“No, I shall accompany you, if you will allow me. Am I indiscreet?”
“By no means!”
At this moment one of the carriages of the Company passed by, followed by a cabinet-courier on horseback.
The counsellor hastily took off his hat.
“The Senhor President of the Council!” he said. “Did you see him? He saluted me.”