He fled his company as if he were afraid.

He seemed to fear that Gabriel would read his thoughts, with that irresistible power that from boyhood he had held over him.
"Mariano, what is the matter with you ?" said he, seeing him pass through the cloisters.
"Much that is out of gear," answered his surly friend.
"I know it, man--I know it; but you seem to avoid me.

Why is this ?" "Avoid you--I ?--never.

You know I always love you.

When you come to my house you see how we all welcome you.