“And what flower, my gallant young gentleman, do you best love?”
“Enough! enough!” joyfully exclaimed the student. “’Tis you I seek: I am ready to follow.”
Without reply, the stranger produced a long black cloth.
“What is that?” said Federico, who vigilantly observed his movements.
“To blindfold you.”
“Why?”
“Señor, that you may not see whither I conduct you.”
“Not so!” cried the student, suspiciously. “I will follow, but with open eyes.”
The Gallego threw the skirt of his large cloak over his left shoulder, touched his pointed hat by way of salutation, and said courteously, “Buenas noches, señor. May you sleep well, and live a thousand years.”