"He will not return."
Valentine pronounced these words dryly. The emotion Doña Angela experienced was so lively that she could not check a slight cry of pain.
"What is the matter, niña?" her father asked her, turning sharply. "What is the meaning of that cry?"
"I cut myself," she answered with the most innocent air possible.
"Oh, oh!" her father said in alarm; "it is not dangerous?"
"No; a mere scratch. I was a goose to be frightened. Forgive me, papa."
The general asked no further questions, but continued his conversation with the Frenchman.
"I am vexed at this contretemps," he said, "for I wished to consult with your friend on very important business."
"No matter; I am here. My friend, on starting, gave me full power to act in his name. You can speak, general; that is to say, if you do not consider me unworthy of your confidence."
"Such a supposition would be an insult, sir."