"You shall not dance together!" she cried in menacing tones.
The spectators of this extraordinary and unexpected scene recoiled in amazement: they were unable to comprehend this sudden burst of anger. The two would-be dancers exchanged looks of astonishment.
The situation grew intolerable, and the arriero determined to put an end to it.
The second girl was still standing right in front of him, her figure slightly thrown back, and firmly planted on her feet, her head erect, her cheeks inflamed, her nostrils quivering like those of a wild beast, and her arm extended in an attitude of menace and defiance.
The arriero took a step forward, and made a very respectful bow to the damsel.
"Señorita," said he, "allow me to remark—"
"Calle Vd. la boca" (hold your tongue), "Don Pablo!" she angrily exclaimed, interrupting him in the middle of his speech; "I have nothing to say against you; but look at this chola sin vergüenza" (shameless hussy), "who, knowing you to be the best dancer in the rancho, wants to monopolise you for her own benefit."
On hearing the insult her companion had thus boldly cast in her teeth, the other damsel hastily shook off Don Pablo, and placed herself face to face before her assailant.
"You lie, Manonga!" cried she: "It is jealousy that made you utter these words; you are furious at the preference with which this caballero honours me."
"I!" said the other disdainfully; "You are a fool, Clarita; I care no more for the caballero than for a sour orange."