provocation? They must have been drunk."

"Oh, no, they were sober enough. I did not see it, so I do not quite
know exactly how it was, but I understand that they committed
themselves most absurdly, absolutely took hold of his coat and tore
it, and--; but they did such ridiculous things that I cannot tell
you." And yet Don Tomas, if that was the man's name, had been able
to tell her, and she had been able to listen to him.

"'What made them take hold of the marquis?" said I.

"Curiosity, I suppose," she answered. "He dresses somewhat
fancifully, and they could not understand that any one should wear
garments different from their own." But even then the blow did not
strike home upon me.

"Is it not pretty to look down upon the quiet town?" she said, coming
close up to me, so that the skirt of her dress pressed me, and her
elbow touched my arm. Now was the moment I should have asked her how
her heart stood towards me; but I was sore and uncomfortable, and my
destiny was before me. She was willing enough to let these English
faults pass without further notice, but I would not allow the subject
I drop.

"I will find out who these men were," said I, "and learn the truth of
it. When did it occur?"

"Last Thursday, I think he said."

"Why, that was the day we came up in the boat, Johnson and myself.