"I have had the honour of knowing the count for a long while," she said with a graceful smile.
"It is true," the general said, suddenly pretending to remember; "we have been acquainted for a long time, caballero."
"It was not my place to remind you under what circumstances we met."
"That is true, count, it was mine; believe me that I have not forgotten it."
"Nor I," the young lady murmured; "for I owe you my life, señor."
"Oh, señorita!"
"Permit me, permit me, señor conde," the general said, with an emphasis assuredly affected; "we Mexican caballeros have a long memory for good as for ill. You risked your life to defend mine, and that is one of the debts we like to pay. I am your debtor, señor Don Louis."
"Are you speaking seriously, general?" the count asked, looking at him fixedly.
"Certainly, caballero; the subject is too serious for me to treat it otherwise. I will even add that my most lively desire would be soon to find the occasion to acquit my debt."
"If that be so, general, I can offer you the occasion, if you will allow me?"