The baroness did not dare speak of morality, and the sole bit of advice that she offered was, that if the South American were not to content himself simply with her services as housekeeper, she had better watch out for her interests; but the girl was no fool and, as she said, had already taken all precautions to land safely, on both her feet.
Manuel was left alone in the house to finish the tasks necessary to the removal. One afternoon, as he was returning from the Estación del Mediodía, he came upon Mingote, who, the moment he spied Manuel, ran after him.
“Where are you rushing?” he panted. “Any one would have thought that you were trying to get away from me.”
“I? What nonsense! I’m very glad to see you.”
“I, too.”
“What do you say to going into this café? I’ll pay for the drinks.”
“Come on.”
They walked into the Café de Zaragoza. Mingote ordered two coffees, note paper, pen and ink.
“Would you mind writing something that I’ll dictate to you?”