"It was unkind of you to remain away so long, Don Felipe. Your friends have missed you sadly and have prayed for the day of your return."
"Friends?" echoed Felipe with a sneer.
"Aye, friends. You will find that you have more friends now than when you left us."
"I can scarcely believe it. And yet," he added, "I wish it might be so."
"You shall learn shortly for yourself," returned Señora.
"How long," interrupted Felipe, eager to change the drift of the conversation, "have the American ladies been here?"
"Ah, you have seen them?"
"Yes, they were just going out for a walk when I arrived. It was a pleasant surprise to see them here. They are friends of mine."
"You know them?"
"Yes. I met them a year ago in Washington."