"What do you mean, Sancho?"
"Nothing at present; do you speak first, sister."
"Well, if you insist on it—"
"I do not insist at all, sister—I only request it."
"Very good, I yield to your request; I have received several letters."
"So I have; but I confess that I have not read them yet, and do not think they are of any great importance."
"I have read mine, and do you know what they tell me beside other news?"
"Indeed, no, unless it be my appointment to the post of Alcade Mayor of Hispaniola, which, I allow, would greatly surprise me," he said, laughingly.
"Do not jest so, Sancho; the matter is very serious."
"Really? In that case speak, little sister. You see I have as solemn a face as your dear husband."