"Bah! I shall find him, be assured of that."
"We do entirely rely upon you."
"In a few hours, as I have told you, I shall myself set out to place in a convent in Valdivia the young lady whom you so fortunately saved; it will, therefore, be in Valdivia I shall await your answer."
"I beg your pardon, but I have not the least idea where Valdivia is," observed Valentine.
"Don't be uneasy on that account; any child in this country can direct you the way thither," Don Gregorio replied.
"Thanks."
"And now, if you change your mind when we meet again, and consent to remain among us, remember we are brothers, and do not hesitate to inform me of your new determination."
"I can neither, reply yes or no, sir; if it depended upon me, we should continue to see each other frequently."
After exchanging a few more friendly expressions, the three men separated. At sunrise, Louis and Valentine, mounted on magnificent horses, which Don Tadeo had forced them to accept, rode away from the chacra, followed by Cæsar. Valentine had received his despatches from the hands of the major-domo. As they were quitting the farm Louis turned round instinctively, as if to salute with a last look a spot he abandoned for ever, and which contained all that was dear to him. A window was gently opened, and the face of the fair girl appeared through the small interval, bathed in tears. The two young men bowed respectfully towards the necks of their horses, and with a deep sigh from Louis, they moved on as the window closed.
"Adieu! oh, adieu for ever!" murmured Louis, choking with emotion.