“Sun, whose rays set my heart on fire!”
“Let’s have more wine, Master Crispin.”
“But I don’t want Arganda wine.”
“Let it come from Jerez.”
And the cries of rage were succeeded by joyous shouts. Their faces expanded, and their lips opened in smiles. The host brought the bottles with the fiery sherry, and they drank, toasting the beauty of Elena’s daughters and the friendship which was to unite them from that moment and last forever. They vowed to protect each other, and being true hidalgos were sure to fulfil their oaths.
“Listen,” said Señor Alonso suddenly.
“We are listening.”
“Our friendship must be so firm that it will stand above all other considerations.”
“A good idea, and well expressed.”
“Is not a friend worth more than a strange woman?”