"I am proud to know you have visited me here," he said, bowing low before the scion of the Vegas.
Don Diego bowed in answer, and took the chair Captain Ramón indicated. The captain marveled that Don Diego had no blade at his side.
"I was forced to climb your confounded hill to speak to you on a certain matter," Don Diego said. "I have been informed that you visited my house during my absence, and insulted a young lady who is my guest."
"Indeed?" the captain said.
"Were you deep in wine?"
"Señor?"
"That would excuse the offense in part, of course. And then you were wounded, and probably in a fever. Were you in a fever, captain?"
"Undoubtedly," Ramón said.
"A fever is an awful thing—I had a siege of it once. But you should not have intruded upon the señorita. Not only did you affront her, but you affronted me. I have asked the señorita to become my wife. The matter—er—is not settled as yet, but I have some rights in this case."