the fact, because it seemed an unseemly thing to do in a house where one is invited to eat.
Antoñito, puffing at a cigar and drumming on the piano, made a wry face to attract the count's attention. Then, bearing hard on the loud pedal, so as to prevent the others from hearing what he said, he inquired:
"Have you any money with you?"
"How should I? I have just enough for the game and a thank you."
"As the curé is sure to get that, you are certainly well off! Moreover, you know we all have to contribute to a poor fund before our departure."
"Yes, I know, and therefore ask you the same question in my turn: 'Have you any money with you?'"
"I should rather say not!"
"Well, what are we going to do?"
The commandant just then drawing near, the count said to him: "Listen, Soles, just before leave-taking you will be requested to contribute to a poor fund."
"I? If that's the case, I'm off!"
"Haven't you any money about you? None whatever?"
"No, not a centime! Haven't I told you that I've just lost fifteen hundred pesetas? So what business have I to be here?"
"Frankly," observed Antoñito, as he nonchalantly played the romance from La Favorita, "this is a nice hole we've all tumbled into!"
"Were only one of us without money, it wouldn't look so bad; but for all of us to be in the same plight is a disgrace!"
