then, who would think that a Spanish bull-fighter would talk a
foreign language? I was sorry, also, that I had torn his coat; it
had looked so awkward; and sorry again that I had offered the man
money. Altogether I was a little ashamed of myself; but I had too
much to look forward to at Seville to allow any heaviness to remain
long at my heart; and before I had arrived at the marvellous city I
had forgotten both him and his buttons.

Nothing could be nicer than the way in which I was welcomed at Mr.
Daguilar's house, or more kind--I may almost say affectionate--than
Maria's manner to me. But it was too affectionate; and I am not sure
that I should not have liked my reception better had she been more
diffident in her tone, and less inclined to greet me with open
warmth. As it was, she again gave me her cheek to kiss, in her
father's presence, and called me dear John, and asked me specially
after some rabbits which I had kept at home merely for a younger
sister; and then it seemed as though she were in no way embarrassed
by the peculiar circumstances of our position. Twelve months since I
had asked her to be my wife, and now she was to give me an answer;
and yet she was as assured in her gait, and as serenely joyous in her
tone, as though I were a brother just returned from college. It
could not be that she meant to refuse me, or she would not smile on
me and be so loving; but I could almost have found it in my heart to
wish that she would. "It is quite possible," said I to myself, "that
I may not be found so ready for this family bargain. A love that is
to be had like a bale of goods is not exactly the love to suit my
taste." But then, when I met her again in the morning I could no
more have quarrelled with her than I could have flown.

I was inexpressibly charmed with the whole city, and especially with