The Joy of Captain Ribot

d she did not suddenly turn serious as she used. Little by little her freedom of manner increased, making her cordial, and affectionate too, within the bounds of her reserved temperamen

en bought and left forgotten in a shop. Martí wished to se

lle de San Vicento? Then do me the favor to

t when I delivered it to her she receiv

id dryly, withou

re she had given me a rewar

sea knocked away the bridge and half our masts in the English Channel, did I feel my heart so constricted by any sudden encounter. The agent to furnish me with this most cruel trial was Do?a Amparo. We had been chatting in this la

zing at the likeness of a little girl of

ognize her? It

d. And, looking at her, I o

school. Wasn't

ink so," I

he looks like a picked chicken!" exclai

possible. From that time you have done nothing but lose ground. I would gi

doubt she was very beautiful at that time, but

id not venture to contradict her openly; I only uttered monosyllables or phrases of doubtful interpretation. At last we

k. We preserved silence; but three or four times, on lifting my eyes, I observed that she was looking at me with i

uttered in

it well to

! Ri

I asked, pretending to come

e in th

o not und

look me in

petition would have been tremendously absu

ur chair a li

an ill-omened squeak. Adopting a tranquil and unembarrassed air, distinctly contrary to what would have suited me at that i

n love with my da

of yellow, green, and blue. Indeed, I think my fa

uppose it? On my life, wh

le also. She reached out immediately for her smelling-bottle; with one hand she held up my head,

smothered words and faltering tongue, ascribed my emotion to

er to fortify me. I swallowed it not without difficulty, for my throat was constricted so that I was scarcely able to breathe. Then, to

rtues. Nobody would have the rashness to offend her with other sentiments than those of respect and admiration-I least of

tionally sniffing her smelling-salts, "but this does not

elf, se?ora. I ass

e hand on my shoulder, and looking at me with

for God

f!" and she gave a gentle and aff

eading something de

two. You are in love with Cristina,

said, trying to fi

e, and, between the two

ora preferred? Why was she talking to me i

cy. "She is such an interesting type, of such delicacy! It is not strange that

?or

, Emilio has no equal, so much affection, so much loyalty, so splendid! He adores his wife. I am as proud of him

my account, make yourself

owards me. But who can blame any poor fellow for falling in love! The wrong is in murmuring soft nothings in the ear of Cristina when Emilio is not looking. We will suppose that they are foolish things, that she has eyes like this and a skin like that. But that is not

el so much upset, I must ask

e. But with me you ought not to be so timid. I know the affection you have vowed her. Open your heart to

to go. At present I feel that I should

exceedingly emotional. Don't you want another drop of ether? Neither you nor I is fit for this world. I cannot bear to see anyone suffer. Now here you see me, me who, in spi

o did not in this mo

possible for Cristina to care for you without troub

murmured, pressing her h

ear to me as a son, and I

I improved the precious opportunity to strid

ld's attractions, of having been born for the part of a Celestina. Yet little by little I calmed myself, and with calmness arrived at last at justice. Do?a Amparo was absolutely idiotic, of this there was no doubt; but she was not a bad woman. Hers was a heart that spread itself like butter over the first comer. It was necessary to her to be looked

o Almeria to hasten the preparation for the canal. He drew from the desk a lot of portfolios and showed me the plans, explaining details, and trying to stir up in me the same enthusiasm that animated him. I gave him a religious attention, but only in appearance. I really lost not one movement of Castell's while I looked over the papers, for I suspected him. I saw him manage skilfully to get near Cristina, who with one foot on the balcony sill was turning over a book. When he got near her, under pretext of examining the book she held, I observed that he brought his cheek near hers until it almost touched; and although his back was towards me and I, of course, could not see his lips move, I knew that he was whispering something to her. The lady moved her head abruptly away and tried to withdraw; but-oh, what a surprise!-Castell detained her, taking hold of her wrist. At the same

treet. Then he walked about the room. Now and then he would give Cristina a quick, scrutinizing glance. In spite of the profound aversion with which he inspired me, I could not help admirin

lio went on through the portfolios without ceasing his long prolix explanations

o into such a business?" he

n't serve you," replied the other, w

h you don't care much about it), it is necessary that you should take the most important position, and be president of the council of administration. N

ion, cast one full glance at Castell. Then unfolding that which she held, sh