He went across the room and sat down on one end of the couch, and admired her beauty frankly. The despensero hovered near.
"Go to your kitchen, fellow!" Captain Ramón commanded.
"No; allow him to remain," Lolita begged. "My father commanded it, and he courts trouble if he leaves."
"And if he remains. Go, fellow!"
The servant went.
Captain Ramón turned toward the girl again, and smiled upon her. He flattered himself that he knew women—they loved to see a man show mastery over other men.
"More beautiful than ever, señorita," he said in a purring voice. "I really am glad to find you thus alone, for there is something I would say to you."
"What can that be, señor?"
"Last night at your father's hacienda I asked his permission to pay my addresses to you. Your beauty has inflamed my heart, señorita, and I would have you for my wife. Your father consented, except that he said Don Diego Vega also had received permission. So it appears that it lies between Don Diego and myself."
"Should you speak of it, señor?" she asked.