"No, Belgian," Candelas answered.
Alicia hardly remembered, very clearly, where the Low Countries might be. This answer did not satisfy her. But no matter; after all, it was enough for her to know the victorious jockey had come from one of those northern countries where all the men are blond and well-dressed.
Candelas began to explain the blind faith that the count, her friend, had in this remarkable Belgian connoisseur of horses. Then she briefly outlined the brilliant program of travels and pleasures the count and she were planning. Along toward the beginning of May they would go to London, and in June to Paris, where the count was hoping to win the grand prix at Longchamps. They expected to pass the autumn at Nice.
Alicia answered:
"In September, the little marquis and I will be going to Monte Carlo. You and I simply must see each other, there. There's not much fun just with the men, you know. They don't really know how to amuse us."
When the landau reached the Plaza de Castelar, Alicia asked her friend:
"Have you anything on for to-night?"
"No."
"Well then, come to the Teatro Real with me. They're going to give the divine Bizet's Carmen, and Nasi and Pacteschi are going to sing. Enough said!"
Candelas accepted.