"And I am neither—you give me another opportunity of exhibiting my deep humility. I thank you sincerely. You are becoming more gracious than I had hoped."
"You are very like a woman, Don Orsino. You always try to have the last word."
"I always hope that the last word may be the best. But I accept the criticism—or the reproach, with my usual gratitude. I only beg you to observe that to let you have the last word would be for me to end the conversation, after which I should be obliged to go away. And I do not wish to go, as I have already said."
"You suggest the means of making you go," answered Maria Consuelo, with a smile. "I can be silent—if you will not."
"It will be useless. If you do not interrupt me, I shall become eloquent—"
"How terrible! Pray do not!"
"You see! I have you in my power. You cannot get rid of me."
"I would appeal to your generosity, then."
"That is another matter, Madame," said Orsino, taking his hat.
"I only said that I would—" Maria Consuelo made a gesture to stop him.