"Oh, certainly, Señora, on your recommendation I——"
"And Tlatonac is charming, also," interposed the lady, smartly. "Do you stay long here, Señor?"
"That depends on—shall we say—Señor Duval."
His intention was to hint Dolores; but Doña Eulalia evidently thought the acquaintanceship was becoming too intimate, and entrenched herself behind her fan and a smile.
"Rather does it depend on Don Hypolito."
"Ah! Is there, then, to be a war?"
"I do not know, Señor. My father thinks it likely. If there is, of course you will go?"
"No! Why should I? Tlatonac has many attractions for me."
"My father will show you all over it to-morrow," rejoined Eulalia, with a mischievous smile. She knew quite well what he meant, but was not going to betray such knowledge at such an early period of her acquaintance. The proprieties must be observed—even in Cholacaca. Mrs. Grundy is not indigenous to Britain only. She flourished at Tlatonac under the name of Doña Serafina.
"You came in a steamer, did you not, Señor?"