The Harlequin Opal: A Romance. Vol. 1 (of 3) — David Hume — John Shaqi
The Harlequin Opal: A Romance. Vol. 1 (of 3)
David Hume · en
"Yes; in my yacht, _The Bohemian_."
"Your vessel, Señor?"
"Yes."
Eulalia opened her eyes. This Americano must be very rich to own the
boat she had seen steaming into the harbour. But, then, all Americanos
were rich; though not all so nice as this one.
"You must do me the honour of coming on board, Señora," said Philip,
eagerly. Then, seeing her draw back in alarm at this audacious
proposal, "Of course, with Don Miguel and Doña Serafina. Likewise your
cousin. My friend Don Juan is anxious to see Doña Dolores."
"Hush, Señor!" said Eulalia, quickly, glancing towards her father; "it
is a secret. Do not speak of it now; but let us talk to the Señor
yonder with the spectacles."
"He cannot talk Spanish."
"Oh yes, he can, Señor, I heard him."
She burst out into a merry laugh, and went towards Peter, followed by
the reluctant Cassim. Philip was getting on excellently well, and
rather resented the introduction of a third person into the
conversation, even though it was but harmless Peter. That gentleman
would much rather have been left alone to potter about the patio by
himself; but Doña Eulalia, who saw his embarrassment, wickedly made him
attempt Spanish, much to his discomfiture. Philip translated his
compliments to Eulalia, whereon she smiled so graciously on the little
man that the baronet grew restless, and Peter began to think there were
other things in the world besides butterflies.
Meanwhile Don Miguel was having an interesting conversation with Tim
and Jack concerning the state of affairs prevalent at Tlatonac. He was
much flattered at the idea that a "gran'-diario" of England should take
such an interest in Central American politics, and paid Tim, as the
Señor Corresponsal, such attention, that Jack began to wish he were in
the Irishman's shoes. He would then have a better chance of Dolores. As
for Tim he discoursed blandly, quite unaware of the honours being
showered on him, and when his Spanish failed, took refuge in French;
when that gave out, he supplied his wants with Italian, so that his
conversation savoured of the Tower of Babel and the confusion of
tongues. However, with Jack's assistance, he managed to get along
capitally, and gained a good deal of useful information from the Jefe
Politico. Don Miguel himself was most eloquent on the subject, and
particularly rabid against Xuarez, whom he seemed to hate as only a
Spaniard can hate. Dr. Johnson liked a good hater. He should have met
Don Miguel.
"Don Hypolito is a dangerous man, gentlemen," he said, with cold
malignity; "he wishes to become President of the Republic."
"And why should he not become President?" asked Tim, calmly.