"But what?" Doña Marianna interrupted her.
"Well, since you insist, Querida, I confess to you that I am alarmed. You know that Mariano is tigrero to the hacienda?"
"Yes; what then?"
"I am always frightened lest he should meet with an accident, for that happens so easily."
"Come, come, mother; do not have such thoughts as these. Mariano is an intrepid hunter, and possesses far from common skill and tact."
"Ah, hija, you are of the same opinion as my old man. Alas! If I lost my son, what would become of you?"
"Oh, mother, why talk in that way? Mariano, I hope, runs no danger. The delay that alarms you means nothing; you will soon see him again."
"May you be saying the truth, dear child!"
"I am so convinced of it, mamita, that I will not sit down to table till he arrives."
"Well, you will not have to wait long, hijita," the old man said, as he re-entered the rancho.