"You lie, my son: you have looked at her often enough; or young men in these days are changed from what they were in my time—which I can hardly believe." "Well, then, I have; and I care not who knows it," said Stoneheart, in a voice in which embarrassment was mingled with ill humour. "I have looked at Doña Hermosa, if that is her name, and have found her beautiful. Are you satisfied?"
"Almost. Has this charming creature had no other effect upon you?"
"I am not bound to answer you, father: that is a second question."
"You are right; nevertheless, I know what your reply would be. I can dispense with it."
Stoneheart turned away his head to escape the searching look of the Tigercat.
"But now," said he, after a momentary silence, "let us return to your explanation."
"You are an ingrate, who will not understand. Have you not already discovered that all this business has been undertaken for your sake alone?"
Stoneheart started with surprise.
"For my sake? Is there anything in common between this girl and me? You are laughing at me!"
"Not in the least; on the contrary, I am speaking seriously."