Don Cornelio, flattered in his heart by this politeness, which he was far from expecting, thought it necessary to break out in excuses; but Doña Angela cut him short by herself saying,—
"You will forgive me, caballero, for receiving you so poorly, but I did not expect to have the honour of your visit in this wretched pueblo."
Naturally enough, Don Cornelio, infatuated with the advantages he fancied he possessed, regarded this remark as a compliment.
Angela maliciously bit her rosy lips, and continued, with a bow,—
"But now that I have been so fortunate as to meet again with an old friend, for I hope you will permit me to give you that appellation——"
"Oh, señorita!" the young man said with a movement of joy.
"I flatter myself that I shall have the pleasure of enjoying your company more frequently."
"Señorita, believe me that I shall be too happy."
"I know your gallantry, Don Cornelio," she interrupted him with a smile. "I am aware that you will seize every opportunity to offer me your homage."
"Heaven is my witness, señorita. Unfortunately, adverse fate will possibly ordain differently."