"Oh, no!" said the senator, "quite the contrary."
"I am ready to weep tears of blood when I reflect that I have allowed myself to be seduced by a silly ambition, which—"
"Well, what you have lost, if you like, I will restore to you," said Don Tadeo.
"Oh! speak! speak! what would I not do for that?"
"Even return among the Aucas?" said Don Tadeo.
"Why, no—"
"Stop a moment!" Don Tadeo interrupted; "this is what I expect of you: listen attentively."
"I listen, your Excellency," the senator replied, bowing humbly.
Don Gregorio entered.
"What is the matter?" asked Don Tadeo.