182
PARTISAN REVIEW
"Hadn't heard," said Paco laughing.
"I'd better return to my post," said Citron. "Put your hat
right, your net is showing." Paco wore a net to keep his hair in
place.
"Does it show now?" he asked adjusting it.
"No," said Citron flipping away his match. "It's all right."
He went back to his seat.
At two o'clock the General knocked at the girls' door.
"Who's that out there?" called Eulalia.
The General instead of answering knocked once more and
she opened the door a crack and looked out.
"Don't make me raise my voice and shout," he said severely.
"You know I don't like that."
"I'm sorry Felipe, I should have opened it right away. We're
dressing."
"I'm ready to eat."
"So am I, but Maria hasn't finished. Gloria
IS
just about
finished."
"Will they be long?"
"I don't think so."
"I'll wait inside; I don't want to loiter in the passage. Hurry
up, Veracruzana."
"Ahorita vengo."
He sat down on the bed between Eulalia and Gloria who was
putting on her shoes.
•:y
ou like it here, children?" he asked.
"We love it," said Eulalia.
"We'll visit the town this afternoon and tomorrow we'll go
to
J
anitzio if we can find a decent boat."
Maria came in from the bathroom and stood before them
pulling her stockings over her delicate brown knees and gartering
them halfway on her thighs.
"Those are very pretty stockings," said the General bending
forward to stroke them.
"Aren't they? I bought them on Avenida Londres. There was
a sale. We all got some. Look what you're doing," she said scold·
ingly to Gloria, "you're sitting on my skirt. Give it here."
"Hurry,
Veracruzana,
we're hungry."
