A Visit to Don Otavio by Sybille Bedford

"Don Otavio keeps house all day. He appears on the terrace of the villa and claps his hands. 'Niños, the papayas must be picked. Niño, there are roses again in the water tank. Has the boat gone for the butter? Has Jesus made up with his wife? Has Carmelita been able to do something about the spell on the tomatoes? Would she like the priest? The white turkey is not well: niña, the brandy flask, and a teaspoon. Is the cook herself again today?'"