Five hours later Donna Mercedes awoke, and, having drunk the broth prepared for her, came out.
"Now, if you feel strong enough we will ride on to Albacete at once," Arthur said. "Your brother must be in a terrible state of anxiety about you, and your appearance will do more for him than the doctors can do."
"I am ready," she said brightly. "The sleep and a wash have done wonders for me."
Roper at once put the saddles on the horses.
"No," she said; "I will ride now. I never have ridden, but I am sure that I can do it, and you can fasten a leading rein to my horse."
"It is not easy without a side-saddle, señora; but the pommel of this saddle is high, and if we go gently you will be able to hold on."
"At any rate I will try," she said.
The stirrups were arranged the proper length and Donna Mercedes lifted into the saddle.
"I shall manage very well," she said, as she settled herself on it. "I will learn to ride after this. I won't be so helpless in future."
Before mounting, Arthur attached a leading rein to her horse's bit, and they started at a gentle canter, Roper leading the other horse. Three hours' riding brought them to Albacete. They put the horses up in the stable, and then enquired where the count had been taken. It was to the principal hotel, and there Arthur went at once with Donna Mercedes. They went up to the room together, and Arthur opened the door, let the girl pass in, and then closed it behind her and went down-stairs. A quarter of an hour later a servant came down and said that the count wished to see him.