The Joy of Captain Ribot

ad seen much of Valencia, and was always gratefully impressed by the quiet animation of her streets, her serene h

nths; the sea its breezes fresh and wholesome; the sky its rays of radiant light. Valencia awoke and smiled upon her flower-gardens, her sea, and her incomparable sky. Her fortunate situation made me think of ancient Greece; and as I saw passing me the happy, peaceful, intelligent faces of her inhabitant

agerly upon every joyous one in life, I was disappointed, on returning to the house, not to see Cristina. Martí and I bre

ould not help thinking that for carrying out all these plans not only an enormous capital would be needed, but also an activity almost superhuman. Martí seemed to possess it. At that time, besides the steamboat traffic that almost ran itself and took up but li

to me, laughing, "I intend to se

ly at times; but always pleasingly, beca

is personality. There was not apparently in all the world a man better informed, more talented, or upright. He knew everything; the sciences had no secrets for him; the planet hid no corner that

mperament essentially practical, and if you will not think me boastful, I will venture to say that in Spain there is a greater lack of useful men than of philosophers. Does it not seem as if there is a plethora of theologians, orators, and poets? If we wish to take our place beside the other countries of Europe it is necess

partner in these ente

rich and wishes to enjoy his fortune tranquilly. But although he does not mix much in business, when t

r Aunt Clara also shares this temperament," I said, to satisf

house, who has made all the money, is her husband. Oh, my Uncle Diego looks out for number one. There is no abler no

nd by himself, it is the se?ora who guides him in diffic

unt Clara gives him some good counsel, but not of necessity. In Valencia he is considered

m to find any fault. He found himself on terra firma only when he was praising people, and he did this with such ardor that

even more dried up and black than last night. He saluted me with grave courtesy, and after turning and joining me, urged me to accompany him to his house, as it was necessary for him to change his clothes. I wa

s-a very notable collection. It appeared that it was one of the sights most worthy a visit of any in the city, and with an amiability that I appre

come to

anes. There were, indeed, a lot of them and of many kinds, and he exhibited them with a p

it was too long. Look at this other one, this violet stick." He stroked it. "Feel it. This one is of tortoise-she

as half-opened and a l

t us come to gi

he hand a girl of three or four years, dark, with great black eyes and curling black hair. I have never seen more lovely little creatures. I caressed them all warmly, and especially the little girl, whose velvety eyes were marvellous. But they were all timid, and without paying attenti

them come in here

s getting out a shirt for

, which profoundly delighted him. He then took the liberty of dressing before me. His wife began to wait upon him like the most efficient and servile of valets. She put on his shirt; she put on his cravat; she got down upon the floor to fasten the buttons of h

shoes! Tell the maid that I wish her to take care not to daub my sh

s struck dumb. He stared at his wife with

en the waistcoat was washed. I put it aside to sew it on. I wa

nsequence is one button more or les

am very sorr

ry about it? One button, one button! What does one button

sake, don't be like that

nything?" he s

lf and occupied herself

Say!" he persisted

did not

incoherent words, and accompanied by a gnashing of teeth that

troubled spirit. The winds fell, the waves

y. I know it already from Cristina. My s

e button. When she lifted her

e last polish to his shoes, and a few touches of the comb to his whiskers. Matilde fluttered about him like a butterfly, arranging his coat and his cravat and his hat with her plump white han

children, who would have thrown themselves upon their father

. I should be al

make amends to them for his crossness. Vain hope! They received my caresses

e collar-band of his shirt did not fit well, on account of his overcoat, hastened to pull it down for him

branches and sprays of them that loving ones were sending to delight their friends. In Valencia flowers make up so large a part of life, and their use is so general and natural, that the sending of flowers is like saying good-morning. Contemplat

dinner, but Sabas felt himself in duty bound to invite me to ta

ural gravity. He talked to me about his family and friends. I saw at once that he had an analytical tempera

ly difficult; she enjoyed opposing people; at times she lacked courtesy; she was wanting in docility, in a cer

alities of her character, at once timid and resolute, and her coldness a bit harsh, that m

. This had made him lose a great deal of money. He could not tell how many enterprises Martí had engaged in. Some of them would have been very successful if he had stayed in them; but he scarcely encountered the first difficulties in them before he threw them aside, abandoned them. He had only shown himse

t had not a scrap of heart. He had never shown any affection for anybody. Emilio was mistaken throu

ecessary to open the mouth, roll up the eyes to their whites, and fall into an ecstasy, as if one beheld a divinity of Olympus. Castell knows this weakness of m

ds money for him when he needs

"I do not doubt that he finds money for him, but

tted into the intimacy of the family,

journey. He has already had three, one of them a Greek, a beautiful woman! He keeps them a while and presently tires of them, like lackeys who no longer please him. This, you understand, makes a great scandal in a prov

he wealth of your rela

duros, not by millions; but all that has been earned bit by bit, did you

eems, is a lady of muc

red with

ego is the slyest Galician born in this century. He laughs at his wife, and he is capable of laughing at his own ghost. I do not consider that he has ability for any great enterprises. He

servations concerning the character of the Valencians, their customs, politics, and administration of provincial affairs, sharp and to the point. I confess that I had mistaken him. I had at first take

, with their profusion of fine shops; the large number of ancient stone houses with artistic fa?ades, belonging to noble families that have made their names known and respected throughout the world; the hill towers, among whose turrets one may imagine still flit the old-time archers; the b

imation in this little place. Ladies, with their rosaries and mass-books in their hands, stood before these venders, examining their wares with liberal and intelligent eye, and bargaining everlastingly before deciding to buy. Gentlemen laden with branches and sprays were given numerous instructions concerning their arrangement. Servant

he flower-venders greeted my friend by name, smiling ami

the market," I sai

er, nothing more,"

wards one of the doors, where we stationed ourselves

o me. "You will see how many fine figu

My companion had a compliment or a pleasant word for all. Many of them knew him and greeted him; some paused an instant to respond with gracious repartee to his gallant phrases. I

cast upon me a swift glance. It was she; yes, it was she! While still she was hid in the crowd, I knew it was she who approached! My heart began to beat violently. In a few moments she appeared. She was dressed in black, and wore a mantilla. In one hand she carried her mass-book and a rosary wound about her wrist like a bracelet; in the other, a bunch of carnations. She was with her cousin Isabelita, and both were accompanied by Cas

astell and Isabelita congratulated us on

exclaimed the daughter of Retamoso, giving Sabas a tap on the sho

ffered you any gallantries. But we still have time. You are got up

is compliments. Castell came to his aid. Meanwhile Cristina glanced abse

spoke

going to put one of your ca

?" she a

k the largest and most beautiful one in her

ith a daring that I thought I ha

e nothing fo

she asked me, handin

aving you fasten it in my bu

nation and hastily put it in its place. I thought I noticed (it may have been illusion, I d

rn?" asked Castell then, bo

enough of carnations," she said

murmured the banker

of mine?" Isabelit

he greatest

while the young girl placed the carnation in hi

we had not walked far when Sabas saw a charming shop-girl, and stopped to chat with her. Castell and I

ms to me a youngster of a good deal

asked Castell

?" I returne

others; it never occurs to him to apply them to himself. Thus all his analyses, criticisms, wise and pointed counsels, are wasted; and he is an absolutely fatuous and useless man. He has undertaken f

ric!" I exclai

der him from being an agreeable fellow, popular and generally liked; and th

t his wife's right. The touch of her dress, the perfume that floated from her, and a yet more mysterious fluid wherewith her nearness filled me, intoxicated and upset me. This went so far that, desiring to show myself gallant and attent

re kindly disposed, thanking me for my atten

his glance upon the carnation in my button-hol

thousand pesetas for that

" exclaimed Martí, l

surprised in the act of committing a crime. I k

of jokes

autiful head proudly, and t

and does not sell the flowers

Enrique, would you wish Ribot to sell you this carnation, when, if she had given it

. The innocence and nobleness of that man moved me. He must have touched t

art th

rds were a poem

cannot be and should not be bought with money. Unfortunately men are not in the same category with them,

most all the cases that present themselves. Thus you hold another carnation to be better than thi

ristina seemed vexed a

do me the favor of taking the carnation away f

ed it up wi

stell pays the two pesetas, I'll give i

g the money out of his pocket-boo

Sabas, passing ov

istina. She was furious, and called her brother names, and vowed

hat the words of Castell had caused me. We finished dining gayly

nce was indispensable. I was accompanied to the station by Mar

ion to stop at home when they change the order of time for the ships, six weeks he

replied, squeezing my hand affectionately until