“These will I take to Doña Christina.”
“And I will take some to my sister, for her garden. You should see Luisita’s garden. She loves it well.”
They did not return to the castle until near sunset, and were tired, hungry, and dirty, but very happy. Don Felipe led the way to the back of the castle, where, sheltered from the north by high stone walls, was a warm spot, in which a formal little Italian garden was laid out. Here was Doña Christina with Doña Luisita and Señora Julia. Luisita ran forward to greet them and at once noticed the plants Diego was so carefully carrying.
“I never saw that flower bloom in the autumn!” she cried.
Diego had the readiness to offer her some at once, saying:
“The rest are for the noble lady, Doña Christina.”
Then he won for himself the undying esteem of Señora Julia by presenting her with one of the plants.
Doña Christina, who was very observant, thought well of Diego for remembering the old governess, and as the three young people were busily planting the flowers, she said to Señora Julia:
“The youth Diego is well mannered. He knows how to behave to his elders.”
“Truly he is,” replied Señora Julia. “No youth can be called well mannered who does not observe politeness to the old and the obscure.”