Afterwards, when Don Telmo and Roberto were left alone at the table, they continued talking, and from the general theme as to whether young folk should or should not be ambitious, they passed on to the student's hopes of some day being a millionaire.
"I'm convinced that I shall be one," said the boy. "In my family there have been a number of individuals with great luck."
"That's all very well, Roberto," muttered the old man. "But one must know how to become wealthy."
"Don't imagine that my hope is illusory; I'm going to inherit, and not a small amount, either; I'm heir to a vast sum … millions…. The foundations of my work and the framework are already completed; all I need now is money."
Don Telmo's countenance was crossed by an expression of disagreeable surprise.
"Don't worry," replied Roberto, "I'm not going to ask you for it."
"My dear boy, if I had it, I'd give it to you with pleasure, and free of interest. They think I'm a millionaire."
"No. I tell you I'm not trying to get a céntimo from you. All I ask is a bit of advice."
"Speak, then, speak. I'm all attention," answered the old man, resting an elbow upon the table.
Manuel, who was taking off the tablecloth, cocked his ears.