"Thanks for that expression of regret, señorita; but I must go. You are but a few miles from your hacienda: the road is easy; my help is no longer needful."
"We must not part thus, señor," said the hacendero, holding out his hand; "I owe you too many obligations."
"Forget them, caballero," vehemently exclaimed the young hunter; "forget me too: we must never meet again. You return to civilised life, I to the desert. Our roads are far apart; for your sake and for mine, pray that we never again stand face to face. Only," he added, lifting his eyes to the señorita, "I carry with me a memory of you which can never be effaced. And now, farewell! Yonder are the vaqueros of your hacienda approaching to meet you. You are in safety."
He bent his head to his saddlebow, tuned his horse, and began to gallop away. But, looking back, he perceived Doña Hermosa riding after him.
"Stay," she exclaimed.
He obeyed mechanically.
"Look," said she, presenting to him a slender gold ring; "of all my possessions, I value this ring the most; it belonged to my mother whom I never knew. Keep it in memory of me, señor."
The señorita rode off, leaving the ring in his hand without giving him time to reply.