"Even if they were a thousand in number," don Melchior, who had overheard the conversation, said with a sardonic smile.
The count pretended to believe the young man's kindly intention, and answered him with a bow.
"I thank you, sir, for joining your father in this matter; for it is a proof of the good will you are kind enough to display towards me, whenever the opportunity is afforded you."
Don Melchior understood the sarcasm hidden under these words. He bowed stiffly, and withdrew with a growl.
"And when does the Baron de Meriadec arrive don Andrés continued.
"Well, sir, you confuse me; but as I must confess everything, I believe that he will arrive tomorrow morning."
"All the better. Is he a young man?"
"About my own age, sir. But I must inform you that he speaks Spanish very badly, and hardly understands it."
"He will find persons here to whom he can talk French: but you were right to warn me; if not, we might have been taken unawares. I will give orders to prepare rooms for him this very night."
"Pardon me, sir, but I should be truly sorry to cause you the slightest derangement."