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John Bull on the Guadalquivir by Anthony Trollope
page 28 of 35 (80%)

"Yes, Donna Maria, it was I; and if Lord John Russell were to dress
himself in the same way--" But I had no time to complete my
description of what might occur under so extravagantly impossible a
combination of circumstances, for as I was yet speaking, the little
door leading out on to the leads of the tower was opened and my
friend, the mayo of the boat, still bearing gewgaws on his back,
stepped up on to the platform. My eye instantly perceived that the
one pendule was still missing from his jacket. He did not come
alone, but three other gentlemen followed him, who, however, had no
peculiarities in their dress. He saw me at once and bowed and
smiled; and then observing Donna Maria, he lifted his cap from his
head, and addressing himself to her in Spanish, began to converse
with her as though she were an old friend.

"Senor," said Maria, after the first words of greeting had been
spoken between them; "you must permit me to present to you my
father's most particular friend, and my own,--Mr. Pomfret; John, this
is the Marquis D'Almavivas."

I cannot now describe the grace with which this introduction was
effected, or the beauty of her face as she uttered the word. There
was a boldness about her as though she had said, "I know it all--the
whole story. But, in spite of that you must take him on my
representation, and be gracious to him in spite of what he has done.
You must be content to do that; or in quarrelling with him you must
quarrel with me also." And it was done at the spur of the moment--
without delay. She, who not five minutes since had been loudly
condemning the unknown Englishman for his rudeness, had already
pardoned him, now that he was known to be her friend; and had
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