"But that boy will injure his brain," objected Dona Perfecta. "For
Heaven's sake be careful! I would set a limit to his reading."

"Since we are going to wait," said the little doctor, in a tone of
insufferable conceit, "I will take with me also the third volume of
Concilios. What do you think, uncle?"

"Take that, of course. It would never do to leave that behind you."

Fortunately Senor Don Cayetano (who generally spent his evenings at the
house of Don Lorenzo Ruiz) soon arrived, and the books being received,
uncle and nephew left the house.

Rey read in his cousin's sad countenance a keen desire to speak to him.
He approached her while Dona Perfecta and Don Cayetano were discussing
some domestic matter apart.

"You have offended mamma," said Rosarito.

Her features expressed something like terror.

"It is true," responded the young man; "I have offended your mamma--I
have offended you."

"No, not me. I already imagined that the Infant Jesus ought not to wear
trousers."

"But I hope that you will both forgive me. Your mamma was so kind to me
a little while ago."