“Mas quiere un jaleo pobre,
Y unos pimientos asados,
Que no tener un usia
Desaborio á mi lado.”[7]
This couplet was received by a storm of vivas, bravos, and applause, which made a concussion among the glasses.
Shame, more than indignation, caused Stein to blush.
“This Pepe was born with a caul,” said one of his companions; “he has more happiness than he wants.”
“I would not change my condition for an empire,” said the toreador.
“But what will the husband say to all this?” asked a picador, the oldest in the band.
“The husband!” replied Pepe, “I only know him to render him my duty. Pepe Vera associates only with valiant bull-fighters.”
CHAPTER XXVII.
THE day following these events, the duke was seated in his library, absorbed by his thoughts.