"Trust to me, señor. But I have something else to say."
"Say what you will, my good friend; but lose no time."
"I am dreadfully anxious about Don Estevan," replied the capataz, in a voice so low that it could not reach Ña Manuela's ears; "for six days he has disappeared, and we hear no tidings of him."
Doña Hermosa smiled slyly. "Estevan is not the man to lose himself without leaving a trail," said she. "Tranquilize yourself: at the proper time you will see him again."
"So much the better, señorita; for he is a man to be relied on."
"Don Torribio!" suddenly exclaimed Manuela.
"Indeed!" said the capataz; "Then it is time for me to vanish."
"Follow me quickly;" cried the mayor domo's mother.
The capataz bent reverently before Doña Hermosa and Don Pedro, and left the room with Manuela.
The door by which they went out had hardly closed upon them, when another opened, and Don Torribio entered. He wore a superb Indian dress; his forehead was lined with care, and his looks were sad. He bowed to Doña Hermosa, cordially grasped the hand of Don Pedro, and took his seat at a mute sign from the lady.