to San Jose's.

But before we forget it, let us say that among the guests was dexterous
Jose Calzada (a) _el Cigarrero_, with his band, which unfortunately
missed the congenial Baldomero. The famous bull-slayer respectfully
shook hands with Maximina, and she, who had shed tears when Miguel
described the death of Serranito, gave him a look that spoke louder than
words the admiration which his noble conduct had inspired in her.

Manolita also introduced her father to her, that awe-inspiring Cyclops
whose acquaintance we have already made; fortunately he had not as yet
had a chance to get tipsy; to greet her he doffed his _sombrero_, which
must have weighed half an _arroba_,[48] and emitted a series of such
odious grunts that Miguel's wife was frozen with terror.

The house in the Calle del Bano was all in commotion with this wedding.
The procession escorting the pair made an infernal noise clattering down
the stairs; the neighbors opened their doors to watch them pass. In the
street, also, the people stopped, and shouts, "A wedding! a wedding!"
and the questions of the passers-by were heard.

"Who are they," demanded an old shopkeeper.

"A milkmaid marrying a senorito: look; that's him in front," replied a
_chula_, who had stopped in front of the shop.

"And the bride?"

"There she goes in the middle of 'em all, walking with a senorita!"

"Handsome piece! The senorito shows good taste. I would not object to
marrying her myself."

"Aha! That would be a good one, wouldn't it!"

"Well, I'd take you, Barbiana!"

"Ay! You'd see me die first! My dear old fellow, 'Young sheep and old
bell-wether never get along together.'"[49]

"Senorita," Manolita was meantime saying to her _madrina_, "I can never
repay you for the honor which you are doing me. Enrique was right in
praising you!"

"Oh, for Heaven's sake don't call me senorita; I am your cousin; I want
you to call me Maximina; say 'thou' to me."

"Oh, I could never do that! What I am going to ask you as a special
favor is, that when we get home, you will let me give you a dozen
kisses."

Maximina smiled, and pressed her hand affectionately.

The priest blessed the union of the couple in the sacristy; then they
went into the church and heard mass and took the sacrament.

When they went out into the street, the clock was just striking eight.
The procession had greatly increased; there were more than sixty people
surrounding the bridal couple. As it was imposs