A little later Pepe made his appearance in the dining-room.

"If you eat a hearty breakfast," said Dona Perfecta to him, in
affectionate accents, "you will have no appetite for dinner. We dine
here at one. Perhaps you may not like the customs of the country."

"I am enchanted with them, aunt."

"Say, then, which you prefer--to eat a hearty breakfast now, or to take
something light, and keep your appetite for dinner."

"I prefer to take something light now, in order to have the pleasure
of dining with you. But not even if I had found anything to eat in
Villahorrenda, would I have eaten any thing at this early hour."

"Of course, I need not tell you that you are to treat us with perfect
frankness. You may give your orders here as if you were in your own
house."

"Thanks, aunt."

"But how like your father you are!" said the senora, regarding the young
man, as he ate, with real delight. "I can fancy I am looking now at my
dear brother Juan. He sat just as you are sitting and ate as you are
eating. In your expression, especially, you are as like as two drops of
water."

Pepe began his frugal breakfast. The words, as well as the manner
and the expression, of his aunt and cousin inspired him with so much
confidence that he already felt as if he were in his own house.