"Very good," don Francisco Pacheco remarked.
He rose, went to his table, wrote a few words on a sheet of paper bearing the arms of Spain and the Embassy stamp, signed it, sealed it, and then handed it open to don Jaime.
"Here," he said, "is a letter for his Excellency, General Miramón; will you take charge of it, or do you prefer it being sent by the Embassy?"
"I will take charge of it, with your Excellency's permission," he replied.
The ambassador folded the letter, put it in an envelope, and then handed it to don Jaime. "I regret, caballero," he said, "that I am unable to give you any other proofs of my desire to be agreeable to you."
"I have the honour to request your Excellency to accept the expression of my lively gratitude," don Jaime answered, with a respectful bow.
"Shall I not have the pleasure of seeing you again, caballero?"
"I shall do myself the honour of coming to pay my respects to your Excellency."
The ambassador rang a bell, and the usher made his appearance. The two gentlemen bowed ceremoniously, and don Jaime retired.