"I thank you, sir."
And after profoundly bowing to Don Tadeo, the General quitted the room with a hasty step.
"Poor man!" said Valentine.
"Eh?" cried Don Tadeo.
"I said, poor man!"
"Oh, yes; I heard you plainly enough, but of whom were you speaking?"
"Of the unfortunate man who has just left us."
Don Tadeo shrugged his shoulders, and Valentine looked at him with surprise.
"Do you think you know whence the solicitude of this poor man, as you call him, for his friend arises?"
"Why, from his friendship for him; that is clear."