"Wait a moment, father," she continued; "if I have nothing to tell you, I have a favour to ask."
"A favour!—yes, my dear."
"Yes, father, a favour; but what I desire is so singular—coming from a girl—that I really do not know how to make my request, although the thought is perfectly clear in my mind."
"Oh, oh, little maid," the Marquis said, with a smile, though he was much affected, "what is this thing which requires such mighty preparations? It must be very terrible for you to hesitate so in revealing it to me."
"No, father, it is not terrible; but, I repeat, it will appear to you wild."
"Oh, my child," he continued, as he shrugged his shoulders with an air of resignation, "I have seen so many wild things for some time past, that I shall not attach any importance to one now; hence you can explain yourself fully, without fearing any blame from me."
"Listen to me, father; the favour I have to ask of you is this—and, in the first place, you must promise to grant it to me."
"¡Caramba!" he said, good-humouredly, "you are taking your precautions, señorita. And suppose that I refuse?"
"In that case, father, all would be at an end," she replied, sorrowfully.
"Come, my child, re-assure yourself: I pledge you my word, which you ask for so peremptorily. Are you satisfied now?"