“Take this chair, Señor, and you, Mr. Mechlin, take this one. They are the best in my establishment,” said Gasbang. “The young gentlemen will find seats somewhere on the benches.”
Clarence came forward and offered three chairs. Mr. Mechlin took his arm and presented him to the Alamars.
“I take pleasure in making your acquaintance, and I hope to have the opportunity to thank you for your kind co-operation more appropriately afterward,” said Don Mariano. His sons shook hands with Clarence cordially, and accepted the proffered chairs.
Don Mariano excused himself for not speaking English more fluently.
“If you don't understand me I will repeat my words until I make my meaning clear, but I hope you will ask me to repeat them; or, perhaps, some one of these young gentlemen will do me the kindness to be my interpreter,” said he.
“Romeo talks Spanish; he can interpret for you,” said Victoriano.
“You talk English better,” Romeo proudly replied, thinking he could tell his wife that the Don had asked him to be his interpreter.
“Perhaps Mr. Clarence Darrell would do me the favor,” said Don Mariano.
“You speak very good English, señor. We understand you perfectly. You do not require an interpreter,” Clarence said.
“That is so; you speak very well,” said Mr. Mechlin.