"Yes; but I fancied you merely indisposed, and I find you dying."
"Let us not talk of that, Sancho, I implore you; what matter if I am ill? Did you receive my letter?"
"Had I not, should I be here? Two hours after its receipt I set out; for three days," he continued with a smile, "I have been going uphill and down dale, along frightful roads, to reach you the sooner."
"Thanks, oh thanks, Sancho; your presence renders me very happy—you will remain for a while with me, will you not?"
"As long as you like, dear sister, for I am a free man."
"Free!" she repeated, looking at him with an air of amazement.
"Well, yes; his Excellency, the Duc de Peñaflor, my illustrious father and yours, the Viceroy of New Spain, has deigned to grant me an unlimited leave."
At her father's name a slight shudder ran over the young lady's person, and her eyes became dimmed with tears.
"Ah," she said, "my father is well?"
"Better than ever."