When Manuela had quite finished her tale, he said: "Mother, there is not a moment to lose: Don Pedro must get the letter this very night. The poor father must be in a state of dreadful anxiety."
"I am going to him myself," said Manuela.
"No!" he replied "you have need of rest. I have a man here who will acquit himself well of this commission."
"As you please, Estevan," said she, giving him the letter.
"Yes, I think this will be the best way. Come into this house; the good woman to whom it belongs knows me, and will take every care of you."
"Are you going to Doña Hermosa?"
"By Heavens! Do you think I intend to leave the poor girl there, in the midst of those infidels? Besides, what she has got to say to me may concern us all narrowly."
"Devoted as ever, Estevan! How like you that is?"
"What can I do, mother?" he replied, with a laugh. "Devotion seems to be my vocation."
He led his mother into the house, where he confided her to its mistress, and then went in search of his emissary to Don Pedro de Luna.