When Leonora reappeared, her maid was following her with a great bundle of clothes in her arms.
"You understand, of course, we haven't a stitch of men's clothes in the house. But in war-time we get along as best we can, eh? We're in what you might call a state of siege here."
Rafael noted the dimples that a charming smile traced in those wonderful cheeks! And what perfect teeth—jewels in a casket of red velvet!
"Now, Cupido; off with those wet things of yours; you're not going to catch pneumonia on my account, and thus deprive the city of its one bright spot. Here's something to put on while we are drying your clothes."
And she offered the barber a magnificent gown of blue velvet, with veritable cascades of lace at the breast and on the sleeves.
Cupido nearly fell off his chair.... Was he going to dress in top style for once in his life? And with those side-whiskers?... How the people in Alcira would howl if they could only see him now! And entering at once into the fun of the situation, he hastened into the next room to don his gown.
"For you," Leonora said to Rafael with a motherly smile, "I could find only this fur cloak. Come, now, take off that jacket of yours; it's dripping wet."
With a blush, the young man refused. No, he was all right! Nothing would happen to him! He had been wetter than that many times.
Leonora without losing her smile, seemed to grow impatient. No one in that house ever talked back to her.
"Come, Rafael, don't be so silly. We'll have to treat you like a child."