Early as I had sallied out, I was a little behind time. Oracion bells had commenced tolling all over the town. As I entered the Calle del Obispo, I saw three female forms passing out at its opposite end. Two walked side by side: the third a little behind them.
I might have permitted them to pass on without further remark, had it not been that the great gate of the Casa Villa-Señor stood open.
The portero was closing it, as if a party had just passed out; and it could only be they who were going along the street.
The two in advance? Who should they be but the daughters of Don Eusebio Villa-Señor?
The third I scarce spent a thought upon; or only to conjecture, that she was Tia Josefa.
The Calle del Obispo had no further attractions for me. Folding my cloak around me, I followed the trio of señoras.
A spurt of quick walking brought me close upon the heels of Tia Josefa, and within good viewing distance of the two damsels—over whom she was playing dueña.
I had no longer any doubt of their being the daughters of Don Eusebio, though both were veiled to the eyes. Over the eyes in fact: since their shawls were carried tapado. Instead of hanging from the shoulder, they were drawn across the crown of the head, and held under the chin—so as completely to conceal the countenance!
The black Spanish eye sparkling in shadow was all that could have been seen; though I saw it not: as I was at some distance behind them.
I saw that of Tia Josefa—as she turned, on perceiving my shadow projected before her on the pavement.