Fathers, mothers, and dueñas paused in their conversation.
"The soldier is captive," from Señora Moraga. "Let us see how the children deal with him."
"The captive is little worried," commented Señor Zelaya.
"As art thou, Pedro," said Higuera. "Thou hast thirty years and no wife. Thy heart should worry thee."
The señoritas led the Captain into the ballroom, and halted under one of the chandeliers.
"Will the Captain have gifts of gold and silver? Does the incense of friendship delight him?" asked Doña Carmelita.
"Pleasant questions from a fair questioner, señorita."
"Yes or no, Señor Captain," chorused the señoritas.
"Yes, emphatically."
A score of eggshells, filled with bits of silver and golden paper, were broken on his head and uniform. Not until the little baskets, expeditiously handed the girls by peonas, were empty did the bombardment cease.