"Is his name Hiram Buttons?"
"Yes," cried Buttons, eagerly. "How do you know?"
"My dear Sir," cried the Don, "Hiram Buttons and I are not only old business correspondents, but I hope I can add personal friends."
The Don rose and grasped Buttons cordially by the hand. The young man was overcome by surprise, delight, and triumph.
"I liked you from the first," said the Don. "You bear your character in your face. I was happy to receive you into our society. But now I feel a still higher pleasure, for I find you are the son of a man for whom I assure you I entertain an infinite respect."
The sisters were evidently delighted at the scene. As to Buttons, he was overcome.
Thus far he often felt delicacy about his position among them, and fears of intruding occasionally interfered with his enjoyment. His footing now was totally different; and the most punctilious Spaniard could find no fault with his continued intimacy.
"Hurrah for that abominable old office, and that horrible business to which the old gentleman tried to bring me! It has turned out the best thing for me. What a capital idea it was for the governor to trade with Cadiz!"
Such were the thoughts of Buttons as he went home.