"No enemy of sense would care a feather for a country if the capital could not be taken. In other words, we are another Gibraltar. Come, Moraga, I always make it a practice to say as little as possible on these subjects to the señoras. They are easily alarmed. To the card room let us go, Moraga."
The men departed.
"May I serve you a mint lemonade?" asked Morando of Carmelita when the music had stopped.
She was willing.
A peon brought the refreshing drink.
He bent over the girl, carefully anticipating her each want.
"Señorita Doña, the sugar? and more lemon juice? Good! Now a spoon."
"Forget not yourself, Señor Comandante."
Soon he too was served.
"Señorita Doña, may I speak to you? I cannot refrain."