There was an obvious and fair retort; but Antonio did not make it. Instead, he answered:
"For that blunder I ask pardon. I had promised to come to the serão: and I had some foolish idea that it would give me a chance of putting matters right. In England I prided myself on having tact in these things. But pride goes before a fall. Forgive me for not staying away. I have blundered worse than a village booby. Yet I hope, in spite of all, that we may part friends."
They parted friends.
Out in the open, Antonio said to José:
"Hear me for one minute on a matter we need never mention again. I have made it plain to Senhor Jorge that I am not free to marry the Senhorita Margarida."
"But Senhor Jorge was not satisfied with that?"
"I told him," replied Antonio awkwardly, "that I am already plighted to another Bride. You know what Bride I mean, José?"
"Yes. But Senhor Jorge doesn't."
Half a mile further on Antonio demanded:
"About this ghost—this black monk in the chapel. I was thunderstruck. I thought you were mad."