"And you are, no doubt, taking a walk?"
"Upon my word, yes; between ourselves, dear Señor, these formal receptions weary me; I am a plain man, you know."
"Caray, if I know it!" said the Frenchman, with a sly air; "So you are free?"
"Mon Dieu! Yes, completely."
"Well, I am delighted that you have succeeded in disengaging yourself from these proud and haughty strangers. It is very fortunate for me that you are free. I confess I scarcely reckoned on the pleasure of meeting you thus."
"You were seeking me, then?" said Don Santiago, with astonishment.
"Certainly, I was looking for you; only, under the present circumstances, I repeat, I did not hope to meet with you."
"Ah! Why were you seeking me, then?"
"Well, dear Señor, as I have long known that you are one of my best friends, I intended to ask a service of you."
"To ask a service of me—me!"