'But may I not thank you for your flowers?'
'No, no, it is not worth while. And besides, I had an interested object. I wanted to make your acquaintance and to talk to you.'
'I am so glad,' he said gravely. 'But I am afraid I am not the sort of man young ladies generally care to talk to. I am a battered old soldier who has been in many wars, as Burns says——'
'That is one reason. I believe you have been in South America?'
'Yes, I have been a great deal in South America.'
'In the Republic of Gloria?'
'Yes, I have been in the Republic of Gloria.'
'Do you know that the Dictator of Gloria is staying in this house?'
'My dear young lady, everyone knows that.'
'Are you on his side or against him?' Dolores asked bluntly.