She tried to rise, but strength failed her, so she dropped her eyes and let the fan fall.

An embarrassed silence prevailed for a few moments.

Ibarra was then able to move forward and murmur tremblingly, "I've just got back and have come immediately to see you.

I find you better than I had thought I should." The girl seemed to have been stricken dumb; she neither said anything nor raised her eyes.
Ibarra looked Linares over from head to foot with a stare which the bashful youth bore haughtily.
"Well, I see that my arrival was unexpected," said Ibarra slowly.

"Maria, pardon me that I didn't have myself announced.