" He produced from the secretary a
sheet of brown paper with a stamp. "Try it on that."
Carmen smiled with childish delight, tried it, and produced a marvel!
"It is as magic," said Miguel, feigning to cross himself.
Victor's role was more serious. He affected to be deeply touched, took
the paper, folded it, and placed it in his breast. "I shall make a good
fool of Don Jose Castro," he said; "he will declare it is the Governor's
own signature, for he was his friend; but have a care, Carmen! that you
spoil it not by the opening of your red lips. When he is fooled, I
will tell him of this marvel,--this niece of mine, and he shall buy her
pictures. Eh, little one?" and he gave her the avuncular caress, i. e.,
a pat of the hand on either cheek, and a kiss. Miguel envied him, but
cupidity outgeneraled Cupid, and presently the conversation flagged,
until a convenient recollection of Victor's--that himself and
comrade were due at the Posada del Toros at 10 o'clock--gave them the
opportunity to retire.
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