Only on great festivals, or when an 'Auto-da-fe' was proclaimed, was Carmen permitted to leave the palace with her old aunt; yet she had already found suitors.

Nineteen-year-old Sanchez did not indeed care for her hand, but merely for her love, and when it began to grow dusk, he stationed himself on the balcony which he had discovered, made signs to her, and flung flowers or bonbons on her table.
"She is still coy," said the young Spaniard, telling Ulrich to wait at the narrow door, which opened upon the balcony.

"There sits the angel! Just look! I gave her the pomegranate blossom in her magnificent hair--did you ever see more beautiful tresses?
Take notice! She'll soon melt; I know women!" Directly after a bouquet of roses fell into the embroiderer's lap.
Carmen uttered a low cry, and perceiving Sanchez, motioned him away with her head and hand, finally turning her back upon him.
"She's in a bad humor to-day," said Sanchez; "but I beg you to notice that she'll keep my roses.

She'll wear one to-morrow in her hair or on her bosom; what will you wager ?" "That may be," answered Ulrich.

"She probably has no money to buy any for herself." To be sure, the next day at twilight Carmen wore a rose in her hair.
Sanchez exulted, and drew Ulrich out upon the balcony.