"And how old was this cousin of yours?"
"Two years younger than I was. That was the last time we had a bit of fun together. My aunt entertained the idea that I was making the girls into regular tomboys, and I don't think they ever went out with me again afterwards. I am afraid I was not so sorry as I ought to have been at losing their society, for I was getting to the evil age when boys think girls rather nuisances."
"And what age may that be, señor?" one of the younger girls asked with a laugh.
"Well, in England I think it begins about fourteen and lasts till about twenty."
"Oh, then we may flatter ourselves that you will not regard us as nuisances."
"No; you are very well-behaved little girls, and you don't expect me to play with you."
"Play with us, indeed!" the girl said scornfully; "I should think not. Why, I am fifteen."
"A very grave and reverent age, señorina. I have not got my hat on, or I would take it off to you in token of my respect, not to say veneration."
"How different you are from Spaniards!" the girl said. "A young Spanish gentleman would lift his hat courteously if he passed us in the street, but, unless he were very, very intimate, would hardly think of speaking to us even in the house, whereas you actually laugh at us and make fun of us. I have to laugh sometimes when I think I ought to be very indignant."
"You should practise looking indignant before a glass, señorina, else I am afraid it would be a failure and I should not be properly impressed. Now, Donna Mercedes," he said, turning to her, "I hope you have found Leon a very good patient."