By the way, the
fact that you are deeply enamoured of that maid whom you have left in
England is a recommendation to me, for whatever follies you may commit,
you will scarcely embarrass me and yourself by suffering your affections
to be seriously entangled. Ah! have I astonished you?'
'How do you know?' I began--then ceased.
'How do I know? Why, easily enough. Those boots you wear were made in
England. I have seen many such when I travelled there; your accent also
though faint is English, and twice you have spoken English words when
your Castilian failed you. Then for the maid, is not that a betrothal
ring upon your hand? And when I spoke to you of the ladies of this
country, my talk did not interest you overmuch as at your age it had
done were you heart-whole. Surely also the lady is fair and tall? Ah!
I thought so. I have noticed that men and women love their opposite in
colour, no invariable rule indeed, but good for a guess.'
'You are very clever, senor.'
'No, not clever, but trained, as you will be when you have been a year
in my hands, though perchance you do not intend to stop so long in
Seville. Perhaps you came here with an object, and wish to pass the time
profitably till it is fulfilled. A good guess again, I think. Well, so
be it, I will risk that; object and attainment are often far apart. Do
you take my offer?'
'I incline to do so.
Pages:
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98