"As for me," she replied, with a charming smile, "the month has passed in sorrowful thoughts of those from whom I was torn. But I must be just enough to confess, that the man who bore me away treated me with respect—nay, on several occasions he sought to console me and alleviate my grief, by holding out hopes of my soon seeing those whom I love so dearly."
"The Tigercat's conduct is incomprehensible," said Stoneheart thoughtfully. "Why did he carry you off, when he has restored you to us again with so little demur?"
"It is strange," said she; "what could his object be? But I am tree! Thank Heaven, I shall see my father again!"
"Tomorrow we will go to him."
Doña Hermosa looked at him in surprise.
"Tomorrow!" she exclaimed; "Why not today? Why not at once?"
"Alas!" said he, "I have sworn not to leave this place until tomorrow! The Tigercat would only restore you to liberty on this condition."
"How singular! Why should that man wish to keep us here?"
"I will tell you the reason!" cried Don Estevan, suddenly appearing before them.
"Estevan!" they exclaimed, rushing towards him.