“And your father,” her husband asked of her; “do you believe he will give his consent?”
“He is a fisherman,” replied the Gaviota, feigning not to understand the true sense of the question.
The duke then entered into a long explanation of all the advantages which might arise for her distinction and a fortune.
Mariquita listened with avidity, while the duke contemplated with rapture the play of this countenance, alternately cold and full of enthusiasm, alternately impassible and energetic.
When the duke retired, Mariquita pinched the ear of Stein, and said to him eagerly—
“We will go! we will go! and whatever happens, I feel called to go. Crowns are promised me, and will I remain deaf to all that? No! no!”
Stein sorrowfully followed the duke.
CHAPTER XV.
WHEN they entered the convent, old Maria demanded of the noble convalescent, who always received his nurse with much kindness, how he had found her dear Marisalada.
“Is she not a beautiful creature?” she said.