"Sit down and tell us all about it, Don Carlos," said Dolores. Evaña sat down and remained talking with them for nearly an hour. "I have quite a curiosity to see that Don Francisco," said Dolores; "he must be like one of the old patriarchs." "And lives like one too," said Evaña. "His wife and daughters make clothes for the whole household, they spin and weave the wool of their own sheep, and the whole of the outside work is done by the boys, I do not think they have any slaves." "And he says Mass every Sunday and Feast-day? I don't think that is proper," said Dolores. "Ask Padre Jacinto," said Marcelino; "he will tell you that it is very wicked." "He does not say Mass exactly, at least I think not," said Evaña. "He reads passages of Scripture, and psalms, and prayers, and no Latin, so every one can understand him." "If Don Fausto will take me out with him next time he goes I will go and see this Don Francisco," said Gordon; "I should like to hear the service very much." "We will go together some day when I am strong enough to ride so far," said Marcelino. "How very ungrateful of you, Marcelino. What would grandpapa say?" said Dolores. "Don Carlos! I have something to tell you. The wonderful French carriage that you sent out to grandpapa has actually been used at last." "There is some hope for us then yet," replied Evaña. "When carriages are used then we shall begin to be civilised." "But it was a very special occasion. Grandpapa took Marcelino to the Miserere, and they spent a day with Don Alfonso." "And how was the medico?" asked Evaña. "As grumpy as ever?" "Oh, no; all smiles and hospitality," replied Marcelino. "He received me as my grandfather's grandson, and you know he can refuse nothing to Don Gregorio. Gordon went with us, we were both told that the house was ours, and we mean to go again." "Bravo!" exclaimed Evaña. "Don Alfonso is coming out in a new line. It is something new for him to invite young men to his house." "You do not call yourself old, do you?" asked Gordon. "Don Alfonso treats me as if I was," replied Evaña. "That is because you are so learned and wise," said Dolores, at which speech Evaña looked uncomfortable and the others laughed. "My paisanita was there too," said Gordon, "so we passed a very pleasant day I can tell you." "And Marcelino was bashful and dared not talk to her in English," said Dolores. "She talks Spanish as well as you do, so why should I?" said Marcelino. "You must ride every day while you are here," said Evaña. "When you are strong enough to ride there she will teach you English better than Gordon can." "As soon as I am strong enough I shall have something else to do," said Marcelino; "I am going into harness. I suppose you don't know the last news. Juan Carlos is going to Spain and I am to take his place at the Consulado." "Juan Carlos going to Spain!" said Evaña. "What is he going there for?"