He used to ride with us nearly every morning.
Almost without thinking I said I should be pleased.

Don Rafael was shocked at my want of formality, but bowed to me in silence, very much as a monk bows, from the waist.

If he had only crossed his hands flat on his chest it would have been perfect.

Then, I don't know why, something moved me to make him a deep curtsy as he backed out of the room, leaving me suddenly impressed, not only with him but with myself too.

I had my door closed to everybody else that afternoon and the Prince came with a very proper sorrowful face, but five minutes after he got into the room he was laughing as usual, made the whole little house ring with it.