Benito quietly and attentively watched him. The eyes of
Torres, with a peculiar expression, constantly sought his father. One
would have called them the eyes of some wild beast trying to
fascinate his prey before he sprang on it.
Manoel talked mostly with Minha. Between whiles his eyes wandered to
Torres, but he acted his part more successfully than Benito in a
situation which, if it did not finish at Manaos, would certainly end
at Belem.
The dinner was jolly enough. Lina kept it going with her good humor,
Fragoso with his witty repartees.
The Padre Passanha looked gayly round on the little world he
cherished, and on the two young couples which his hands would shortly
bless in the waters of Para.
"Eat, padre," said Benito, who joined in the general conversation;
"do honor to this betrothal dinner. You will want some strength to
celebrate both marriages at once!"
"Well, my dear boy," replied Passanha, "seek out some lovely and
gentle girl who wishes you well, and you will see that I can marry
you at the same time!"
"Well answered, padre!" exclaimed Manoel.
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