"A title of which I am proud," Don Rufino replied, with a bow, while giving the young lady a cold searching glance, which made her look down involuntarily and blush.
"Are the apartments ready, Don José?" Don Hernando continued.
"Yes, Excellency," the majordomo said, who was contemplating the young people with a radiant face.
"If Señor Don Rufino will permit it, you can go and lie down, my children," the hacendero said. "You must be tired."
"You will also allow me to rest, Don Hernando?" the Senator then said. The hacendero bowed.
"We will resume our conversation at a more favourable moment," he continued, as he took a side-glance at Donna Marianita, who was just leaving the room with her brother. "However, my dear Señor, do not feel too anxious about my visit; for I believe I have discovered a way of arranging matters without inconveniencing you too much."
And, bowing to his knees to the Marquis, who was astounded at this conduct, which he was so far from expecting, Don Rufino left the room, smiling with an air of protection.