‘As you will,’ answered the Spaniard, with a noble indifference to such sordid matters.
CHAPTER XXIV
PRIESTCRAFT
‘No man I fear can effect great benefits for his country without some sacrifice of the minor virtues.’
The Señora Barenna was a leading social light in Toledo, insomuch as she never refused an invitation.
‘One has one’s duties towards society,’ she would say with a sigh. ‘Though the saints know that I take no pleasure in these affairs.’
Then she put on her best Seville mantilla and bustled off to some function or another, where she talked volubly and without discretion.
Julia had of late withdrawn more and more from that life of continued and mild festivity of which it is to be feared the existence of many women is composed. This afternoon she sat alone in the great gloomy house in Toledo, waiting for Larralde. For she, like thousands of her sisters, loved an unworthy object—faute de mieux—with open eyes and a queer philosophy that bade her love Larralde rather than love none. She had lately spent a large part of her existence in waiting for Larralde, who, indeed, was busy enough at this time, and rarely stirred abroad while the sun was up.
‘Julia,’ said Señora Barenna to Concha, ‘is no longer a companion to me. She does not even attempt to understand my sensitive organisation. She is a mere statue, and thinks of nothing but politics.’
‘For her, Madame, as for all women, there would be no politics if there were no politicians,’ the priest replied.
This afternoon Julia was more restless than ever. Larralde had not been to see her for many days, and had only written a hurried note from time to time in answer to her urgent request, telling her that he was well and in no danger.