'
Yes, this must be the man, Don Gomez de Montesma. There was nothing in
Mr. Smithson's manner to indicate that the Spaniard was an unwelcome
guest. On the contrary, Smithson received him with a cordiality which in
a man of naturally reserved manner seemed almost rapture. The curtain
fell, and he presented Don Gomez to Lady Kirkbank and Lady Lesbia;
whereupon dear Georgie began to gush, after her wont, and to ask a good
many questions in a manner that was too girlish to seem impertinent.
'How perfectly you speak English!' she exclaimed. 'You must have lived
in England a good deal.'
'On the contrary, it is my misfortune to have, lived here very little,
but I have known a good many English and Americans in Cuba and in
Paris.'
'In Cuba! Do you really come from Cuba? I have always fancied that Cuba
must be an altogether charming place to live in--like Biarritz or Pau,
don't you know, only further away. Do please tell me where it is, and
what kind of a place.'
Geographically, Lady Kirkbank's mind was a blank. It was quite a
revelation to her to find that Cuba was an island.
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