"My father possesses a hacienda a few leagues from this town. I know that he intends to re-form his ganado, and he stopped here today in order to have an interview with his mayordomo."
"Oh! That is a providential chance."
"Is it not?"
"It is really. Has the mayordomo arrived?"
"Not yet: we do not expect him till tomorrow. I fancy that a day's delay will do you no injury."
"Not the slightest."
"Well, then, if you consent, we will settle this affair while we are together; that is to say," she added, "you will tell me the prices, that I may inform my father."
"Ah!" he said, with a certain hesitation, "I can, unfortunately, say nothing on that head."
"Why so? Are you not the owner of the herd?"
"Pardon me."