"I?" exclaimed Alphonse, with an air of surprise—"I did not speak. But, pardon, señora! is not the cavalier you have just named, your brother?"
"No, señor—I have no brother: that caballero, he is only a——a friend of my father's," she answered confusedly.
"Oh! excuse me," said Alphonse, with the most innocent air imaginable; "I thought you had."
There was a moment's pause, and Doña Inez returned into the saloon, which was now beginning rapidly to fill.
"I am afraid I must leave you, señores; the dancing is about to commence," she said, "and I must go and speak to some young friends of mine who have just come in. But first let me induce you to select some partners."
"I did not know it was customary to dance at tertulias," observed Ernest.
"Not in general, but to-night it is augmented into a little ball, in honour of its being my dia de cumpleaños. But come, look round the room, and choose for yourselves. Whom shall I take you up to?"
"May I not have the pleasure of dancing with Doña Inez herself?" said De Lucenay.
"Ah no! I would not inflict so triste a partner on you: I must find you a more lively companion." And as if to prevent the compliment that was hovering on Ernest's lips, she hurried on, while she pointed out a group that was seated near the door. "There! what do you think of Doña Juana de Zayas? the liveliest, prettiest, and most remorseless coquette of all Andalusia; for whose bright eyes more hearts and heads have been broken than I could enumerate, or you would have patience to listen to."
"What! that sparkling-looking brunette, who flutters her abanico with such inimitable grace?"