felt abashed by the glance; my conduct was
not _en regle_.

I bethought me of an apology. What excuse could I offer for such
unceremonious intrusion? Accident? She would not believe it; the time
and the place were against such a supposition. With an intellect like
hers, it would be idle to adopt so shallow an artifice. No; I would not
dissemble; I would boldly avow the truth. Jealousy had rendered me
reckless of the result.

"_Adios, cavallero_!" said she, interrupting my hurried reflections.
"_Carrambo_! where is your guide? How have you found this place?"

"Easily enough, senorita; I followed the tracks of your horse."

"But so soon--I did not expect you--"

"No; you expected another?"

"Certainly. I thought Cyprio would arrive before you--"

"Cyprio!"

"Cyprio--yes, Cyprio."

"Senorita! if this be another name for your Protean cousin, I have to
say it will be better for him he should not arrive at all."

"My cousin?--better not arrive? Holy Trinity, capitan! I do not
comprehend you!"

Her large brown eyes were rolling in astonishment. I was as much
puzzled as she, but I had begun my explanation, and was determined to
carry it to the end.

"Then, Senorita de Vargas, I shall be more explicit. If Rafael Ijurra
appear upon this ground, either he or I leave it not alive. He has
attempted my life, and I have vowed to take his, whenever and wherever I
may meet him."

"Pray heaven you may keep your vow!"

"Your cousin?"

"My cousin--Rafael Ijurra--my worst foe--the direst enemy of our house!"

"Ha! and were you not waiting him?"

"Awaiting _him_! Ha, ha, ha! No. Little timid though I be, I should
not desire to be here alone with Rafael Ijurra."

"Lady! you astonish me; pray explain--"

"_Por dios_! gallant capitan, 'tis you who need explain. I sought this
interview to thank you for your noble gift. You meet me with anger in
your eye, and bitter words upon your tongue."

"You sought this interview?--say you so, lady?"

"Certainly I did. For reasons already known to you, I dared not invite
you to our house; so I have chosen this pretty glade for my
drawing-room. How do you like it, cavallero?"

"In your society, senorita, the rudest spot would appear a paradise."

"Again the poet's tongue! Ah, capitan, remember the yellow domino! No
more flattery, I pray; we are no longer _en masque_. Face to face, let
us be candid with each other."

"With all my heart I accept the condit