"At Carmen, with Don Sylvio d'Arenal," the gaucho answered.
"What, have they not returned yet?"
"No."
"Lead me to Don Valentine."
The estanciero heartily welcomed the bombero, and sent for his sister, who arrived with Doña Concha.
"What brings you here in such a hurry, Pedrito?"
"A very serious matter, Don Valentine," he answered, after embracing Mercedes several times; "but only look, Excellency, how pretty she is in her new dress! Kiss me again, little sister."
"Have you only come to devour the girl with caresses?" Don Valentine asked with a smile; "If so, go on to your heart's content."
"That is almost enough," Pedrito replied, his eyes filled with tears. "Alas! Our family is diminishing daily. Still," he added, changing his accent, "however great the love I bear my sister, it is not for her sake alone that I am here. But stay, Excellency, that is not true; it is for her sake, her sake alone, though apparently for yours. I have just come from Carmen."
"From Carmen?" Doña Concha said, involuntarily.