“Rita, when can I demand the dispensation?”
“When I give you notice to do so,” she replied, without turning her head.
“And what can I do to merit the advent of that happy moment?”
“Recommend yourself to my patron saint, who is the advocate of impossible things.”
“Cruel! you will one day repent having refused my white hand. You lose the best and most grateful of husbands.”
“And you—you will lose the most ungrateful of women.”
“Listen, Rita,” continued Arias: “our uncle, who is opposite to us, how is it that he prevents you turning your head towards those to whom you speak?”
“I have a stiff neck.”
“This stiff neck is called Luis de Haro. Are you always occupied with him?”
“More than ever.”