ooking at him with eyes full of
affection, "is that you will not find yourself at home among us."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I don't know whether I can make myself quite clear, cousin. I mean that
it will not be easy for you to accustom yourself to the society and the
ideas of the people of Orbajosa. I imagine so--it is a supposition."

"Oh, no! I think you are mistaken."

"You come from a different place, from another world, where the people
are very clever, and very learned, and have refined manners, and a witty
way of talking, and an air--perhaps I am not making myself clear. I mean
that you are accustomed to live among people of refinement; you know
a great deal. Here there is not what you need; here the people are not
learned or very polished. Every thing is plain, Pepe. I imagine you will
be bored, terribly bored, and that in the end you will have to go away."

The expression of sadness which was natural in Rosarito's countenance
here became so profound that Pepe Rey was deeply moved.

"You are mistaken, my dear cousin. I did not come here with the ideas
you fancy, nor is there between my character and my opinions and the
character and opinions of the people here the want of harmony you
imagine. But let us suppose for a moment that there were."

"Let us suppose it."

"In that case I have the firm conviction that between you and me,
between us two, dear Rosarito, perfect harmony would still exist.
On this point I cannot be mistaken. My heart tells me that I am not
mistaken."

Rosarito blushed deeply, but making an effort to conceal her
embarrassment under smiles and fugitive glances, she said:

"Come, now, no pretences. But if you mean that I shall always approve of
what you say, you are right."

"Rosario," exclaimed the young man, "the moment I saw you my soul was
filled with gladness; I felt at the same time a regret that I had not
come before to Orbajosa."

"Now, that I am not going to believe," she said, affecting gayety
to conceal her emotion. "So soon? Don't begin to make protestations
already. See, Pepe, I am only a country girl, I can talk only about
common things; I don't know French; I don't dress with elegance; all I
know is how to play the piano; I----"

"Oh, Rosario!" cried the young man, with ardor; "I believed you to be
perfect before; now I am sure you are so."

Her mother at this moment entered the room. Rosarito, who did not
know what to say in answer to her cousin's last word