I speak with the captain of the soldiery who
escort me?"

"Certainly, if I am by."

"I do not choose to have it so," replied Mercedes, with all the
haughtiness of her father. "Remain here. I will return presently."

Brushing her aside with an imperious wave of her hand and a threatening
glance before which the poor duenna quailed, for her charge had never
shown such spirit before, Mercedes struck her Spanish jennet with the
whip she carried, passed around the intervening soldier, who courteously
gave way to her, and reined in her steed by Alvarado's horse. So close,
indeed, was she to the captain that she almost touched him. It was good
to see the light leap in his eyes, the flush come into his pale cheek as
he became aware of her presence.

"Donna Mercedes!" he cried in surprise. "Is anything wrong? Where is the
Senora Agapida?"

"Nothing is wrong. I left her there."

"Shall I summon her?"

"Art afraid to speak to me, to a woman, alone, sir captain?"

"Nay, senorita, but 'tis unseemly----"

"Wouldst thou lesson me in manners, master soldier?" cried the girl
haughtily.

"God forbid, lady, but thy father----"

"He laid no injunction upon me that I should not speak to you, sir. Is
that forbidden?"

"Of course not, but----"

"But what, sir? It is your own weakness you fear? You were strong enough
last night. Have you, by chance--repented?"

There was such a passionate eagerness in her voice, and such a leaping
hope for an affirmative answer in the glance she bent upon him, that he
could scarce sustain the shock of it. His whole soul had risen to meet
hers, coming as she came. He trembled at her propinquity. The voice of
the girl thrilled him as never before.

The sergeant who followed them, out of respect for their confidences
checked the pace of his troop horse somewhat and the two advanced some
distance from him out of earshot. The unhappy duenna watched them with
anxious eyes, but hesitated to attempt to join them. Indeed, the way was
blocked for such an indifferent horsewoman as she by the adroit
manoeuvres of the sergeant. He was devoted to his young commander and he
had surmised the state of affairs also. He would have had no scruples
whatever in facilitating a meeting, even an elopement. The two lovers,
therefore, could speak unobserved, or at least unheard by any stranger.

"Lady," said Alvarado at last, "I am indeed afraid. You make the strong,
weak. Your beauty--forgive me--masters me. For G