That night, as Dario and Elena danced the contradanza together, they
felt the eyes of Dona Jacoba upon them, but he dared to whisper:--
"To-morrow morning I speak with thy father. Our wedding-day must be set
before another sun goes down."
"No, no!" gasped Elena; but for once Dario would not listen.
VIII
As soon as Elena had left his room next morning, Dario returned and read
the note she had put in her brother's pocket. It gave him courage, his
dreamy eyes flashed, his sensitive mouth curved proudly. As soon as
dinner was over he followed Don Roberto up to the library. The old man
stretched himself out in the long brass and leather chair which had been
imported from England for his comfort, and did not look overjoyed when
his guest begged a few moments' indulgence.
"I am half asleep," he said. "Is it about those cattle? Joaquin knows as
much about them as I do."
Dario had not been asked to sit down, and he stood before Don Roberto
feeling a little nervous, and pressing his hand against the mantelpiece.
"I do not wish to speak of cattle, senor.
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