“Who, and what?”
“No matter. May your Excellency live a thousand years.”
“With you, Rosaura,” replied the Count, assuming an air of tenderness which, as Federico thought, sat supremely ill upon him, and endeavouring to take her hand. She drew it quickly back.
“Veremos, Excelencia. We shall see.”
“The devil take the Excellency!” cried the Count, losing all self-command, and stamping angrily with his foot. Rosaura curtsied low.
“You forget my rights over you, Rosaura. I came to tell you that in a few days, as I hope, my dearest wishes will be accomplished.”
“We shall see, Excellency,” repeated the provoking beauty.
The Count stepped up to her, and said, with his sullen smile, “You rejoice not at it, Rosaura?”
“No,” was her laconic reply.