"Such things are very sad," said Raquel. "She is so above her station. I should like to have her come here and live with us."
"That would not do at all, Raquel," returned Silencio, gravely.
"Is there anything wrong with her?" asked Raquel, wonderingly.
"N—no, not that I know of, but she is not of your station."
"And yet you say that she has better ancestry than either you or I," argued Raquel, as the boat grounded. "I am sure her uncle is a great deal more respectable than mine."
Silencio waved his hand to Beltran. "We were looking to see if there was any sign of the yacht," he called. "I sent her round to Lambrozo to be repaired. We may need her now any day. Oh! I quite forgot you do not know my wife, Beltran. I must introduce you."
Raquel bowed and walked onward to order refreshments for the visitor.
"Let me congratulate you," said Beltran, when Silencio had thrown the painter to Andres, who was standing near and had scrambled up the bank. "I was surprised by your very charming news."
"Hardly more than I was myself."
"How did you manage, Gil?"