The Chango did not pronounce this long discourse at one breath, but interrupted himself from time to time to sip coffee or to ask Pacotillas incident questions, which he answered in his usual laconic style. He expressed himself somewhat more upon his matrimonial troubles and the faults of his wife’s parents. Then, changing his tone, he said:
“Now I have tired you in speaking of myself and my affairs; now you must reciprocate, as a good friend, and tell me all about yourself.”
“I can do that in a few words: I am slowly continuing my course of study and with more or less of difficulty and labor gain my bread.”
“Spartan! You do wrong not to confide in me. Am I to understand that you desire nothing? that you do not care to better your condition?”
“I do not say so; I desire many things; I desire to escape from poverty; but, I am content with my situation.”
“What a fool you are! I could do much for you, because I love you well, and I would willingly offer you more than one chance of improving your condition.”
“I thank you for your good will but I see no means of taking advantage of it.”
“See Paco, let us speak frankly; notwithstanding your assertion that you are content with your situation, I cannot believe it; the fact is that you are very proud, that you do not care to ask anything from anyone; that is all right with strangers, but when I, your school-fellow and friend, anticipate your desires and offer——”
“I thank you and beg you to respect my freedom of action.”