Meanwhile Rosita had drawn out her loom, and, kneeling down in front of it, went on with her work as if no stranger were present.
“Oh, indeed!” exclaimed the officer, feigning interest in the process, “how very ingenious! I have often wished to see this! a reboso it is? Upon my word! and that is how they are woven? Can you finish one in a day, Señorita?”
“Si, Señor,” was the curt reply.
“And this thread, it is cotton; is it not?”
“Si, Señor.”
“It is very prettily arranged indeed. Did you place it so yourself?”
“Si, Señor.”
“Really it requires skill! I should like much to learn how the threads are passed.”
And as he said this he left his seat upon the banqueta, and, approaching the loom, knelt down beside it.
“Indeed, very singular and ingenious. Ah, now, do you think, pretty Rosita, you could teach me?”