“A thousand devils!” he cried, grinding his teeth together, furious with rage and pain. He would have seized her hand; but Luiza, raising her arm, and animated by frantic rage, rained rapid blows upon his head and shoulders. A sombre expression rested on her livid countenance, and her eyes glittered with a cruel light.
Castro, astonished, drew back, covering his face with his hands, without seeking to defend himself. Suddenly he stumbled against the jardinière; the porcelain lamp fell to the floor with a loud noise, and the oil ran over the matting.
“Well, have you had enough?” said Luiza, tightening her grasp convulsively upon the cane.
Leopoldina hurried into the parlor at the noise made by the falling lamp.
“What has happened?” she said.
“Nothing! we were only amusing ourselves,” returned Luiza, throwing the cane on the floor and leaving the room.
Castro, livid with rage, caught up his hat, and with a terrible glance at Leopoldina said,—
“I am deeply indebted to you. You may count on me for another time.”
“But what has happened?” asked Leopoldina again.
“I have the honor to bid you good-day,” roared Castro.