"Doña Carmela!"
This time the maiden heard him, for a nervous tremor agitated her, and she turned quickly round.
"What do you want with me?" she asked.
"Oh!" he exclaimed, on perceiving her face bathed in tears, "you are weeping."
The maiden blushed and passed her handkerchief over her face with a feverish gesture.
"What matter?" she muttered, and then, striving to recover herself, she asked, "What do you want with me, señor? Heavens, since I am condemned to be your slave, could you not at any rate allow me the free enjoyment of this room?"
"I thought I should cause you pleasure," he said, "by announcing to you the visit of an acquaintance."
A bitter smile contracted the maiden's lips.
"Who cares for me?" she said with a sigh.
"Pardon me, Señorita, my intention was kind. Frequently, while you sit pensively as you are doing today, unconnected words and names have passed your lips."