't careful, I shall pinch
you.... Mercy, what a naughty girl you are!"

"I am nervous, Lola, I am nervous!"

"Everybody knows that you are going to see _somebody_ very soon, and I
am not going to tell."

"What a goose you are! Rivera will be sure to believe you!"

Maximina, with her eyes opened wide, looked in amazement at this
improvised toilette. The De Cuervos begged her to follow their example,
and then she suddenly awoke from her stupor, and thanked them with
embarrassment.

Our travellers found _la brigadiera_ Angela[5] and Julia waiting for
them at the station. The latter hugged and kissed her sister-in-law
again and again; the former offered her hand, and also kissed her on the
forehead.

After taking leave of their travelling acquaintances, with a thousand
friendly promises, they entered the carriage which _la brigadiera_ had
brought. Julia insisted that her mother and the bride should occupy the
back seat; she herself could not take her eyes from her new sister, and
she held her hands, pressing them affectionately all the time. Maximina
endeavored to conquer her timidity and appear affectionate, and by a
mighty effort she succeeded.

Miguel's step-mother showed herself affable and courteous, but still it
was impossible for her to get entirely rid of that proud and scornful
mien that was always peculiar to her. The bride from time to time cast
fleeting and timid glances at her.

On reaching the house, Julia ran ahead to show the way to the suite of
rooms that were put at their disposal; she herself had arranged them
with the greatest care. Not a single detail was lacking: never had
forethought been more successful in providing all the necessities of a
woman's life, from flowers and sewing-case to glove-buttoner and
hairpins. Unfortunately Maximina could not appreciate these refinements
of elegance and good taste: everything was for her equally new and
lovely.

Miguel met his sister in the corridor.

"Where is Maximina?"

"I left her in her room, taking off her wraps. She is waiting for her
maid to bring her shoes."

"Then I'm going to take off my things too, and brush my hair a little,"
said the young man, rather awkwardly.

Julia stifled a laugh, and ran away.

When Miguel reached his room, he took off his overcoat, and going to his
wife, who was still in her gray travelling-suit, he pressed her to his
heart, and kissed her again and again. Then taking her hand and drawing
her to a chair, h