A little behind them, half concealed, in the shade, was a lady of about seventy and an old gentleman apparently not far from a hundred.
I took in at a glance the whole of this family, the aspect of which had something patriarchal in it that attracted sympathy and respect.
"Sir," said the hacendero kindly, seizing the bridle of my horse to assist me to dismount, "Esa casa se dé a vm (This house is yours); I can only thank my friend Belhumeur for having succeeded in bringing you to my house."
"I must admit, señor," I said with a smile, "that he had not much trouble in doing so, and that I accept with gratitude the offer he was so kind as to make me."
"If you will permit it, señor, as it is getting late," the hacendero replied, "and particularly as you stand in need of repose, we will go at once into the eating room; we were on the point of sitting down to table when your arrival was announced."
"Señor, I thank you a thousand times," I remarked with a bow; "your kind welcome has made me forget all my fatigue."
"We can easily recognise French politeness," said the lady, with a pleasing smile.
I offered my arm to the lady of the house, and we proceeded to the eating-room, where, upon an immense table, was served an Homeric repast, the appetizing odour of which reminded me that I had fasted for nearly twelve hours.
We took our seats. Forty persons, at least, were assembled round the table.
In this hacienda was kept up the patriarchal custom which is now falling into desuetude, of allowing the servants to eat with the masters of the house.