"Me!" said Don Guzman, with a look of ironical amazement; "Are you quite sure of that?"
"If we continue in this strain, caballero, we shall only envenom our discussion, without coming to an understanding."
"Alas, colonel, we live in an era (and you know it better than most men) in which the most innocent actions are so often made to look like guilt, that no one dares to take a step or hazard a word without dreading to excite the suspicions of a power that broods darkly over us all. How can I put faith in the words you have just spoken, when your whole conduct towards me has hitherto been that of an inveterate enemy?"
"Allow me to waive for the present the discussion of the question whether I have acted for or in opposition to your interests. The day will come, caballero—at least I hope so—when you will judge me according to my deserts. My present hope is, that you will lay aside all prejudice as regards the step I am now taking."
"If that be the case, have the goodness to explain your intentions, that I may act accordingly."
"Certainly, caballero. I have just left Palermo."
"Palermo, indeed!" said Don Guzman, shuddering imperceptibly.
"I have; and do you know what they are doing at Palermo tonight?"
"By my faith, I confess I trouble myself very little about the Dictator, especially when he is busy at his quinta (country house). They are dancing, or otherwise amusing themselves there, I suppose?"
"Quite right: they are dancing and amusing themselves."