"God preserve you, gentlemen!" he said, with a profound bow.
"What is your pleasure, sir?" Don Gregorio asked, in a coldly-polite tone, while returning his salutation.
"Sir," said Don Pedro, looking about for a seat which was not offered him, "I have just arrived from Santiago."
Don Gregorio bowed again.
"On my departure from that city, a banker in whose hands I had placed funds, gave me several bills; among others this, addressed to Don Gregorio Peratla, payable at sight."
"That is my name, sir; be so kind as to hand it to me."
"As you see, sir, the bill is for twenty-three ounces."
"Very well, sir," replied Don Gregorio, as he took it, "allow me to examine it."
Don Pedro bowed in his turn, whilst Don Gregorio, approaching a flambeau, looked attentively at the bill of exchange, put it into his pocket, and took some money from his purse.
"Here are the twenty-three ounces, sir," he said, giving them.