, for he had no doubt that the letter was from
Gertrudis, and it was the first souvenir he had received from her for
nearly two years--since he had embraced the Royalist cause.

In fine, he opened the note. Although written in a feminine hand, it
was more like that of Marianita than Gertrudis, and contained only the
following words:--

"The inmates of Las Palmas are not forgetful that they have received a
kindness from Don Rafael Tres-Villas under very critical
circumstances; and they believe that the Colonel Tres-Villas might be
gratified at having restored to him the noble steed which the Captain
Tres-Villas had such reason to esteem."

"A kindness!" exclaimed Don Rafael, with bitter emphasis, "what
ingratitude! A service rendered by the betrayal of an oath sworn over
the head of my murdered father! They call it a kindness--an act of
simple politeness, forsooth! Oh! I must endeavour to think no more of
those who have forgotten me."

And with a bitter sigh the Colonel strode forth from his tent, and
proceeded towards the marquee of the Commander-in-chief--where the
council of war was at that moment assembling.

Notwithstanding his chagrin, however, Don Rafael did not tear up the
letter that had caused such disappointment, nor yet did he fling it
away. Perhaps it had been touched by the hand of Gertrudis; and, with
this thought passing through his mind, he placed the billet in a little
pocket in his uniform, which chanced to be on the left side, just over
his heart.

While passing towards head-quarters, another reflection crossed his
mind, that exerted a consolatory influence upon his spirits. Gertrudis
knew how much he prized the noble bay-brown--so often caressed by her
hand. Was it for that reason the horse had been sent back to him? Was
it she who had attached the rosette of ribbons to the bridle, to recall
the flowers of the grenadine which in happier times she had placed upon
his frontlet?

It was sweet happiness to believe it was she.

CHAPTER FORTY FOUR.

THE COUNCIL OF WAR.

The Commander-in-chief Bonavia, the generals of brigade--Caldelas and
Regules--were seated around a table covered with a green cloth, when Don
Rafael entered the marquee. The council had not yet commenced.

"Ah! Colonel," cried Bonavia, addressing Don Rafael, as he entered, "I
understand you have received a message from Del Valle. Is it of a
private nature, or one that may assist the Royalist cause?"