"Señoras and caballeros," he said, "I must ask you to pardon me for leaving you for a few minutes; but as you see, Don Louis has my word, and I must free it."
The guests bowed courteously. Doña Angela had summoned Don Cornelio to her side, and, profiting by the liberty Mexican manners give young girls, she was conversing with him in a low voice.
"Go, papa," she said with a soft smile, intended for the count; "but do not keep Señor Don Louis too long. Now that the ladies know him, they would like some conversation with him."
"Do not be alarmed, ladies; in ten minutes we shall return. Any discussion between myself and the count cannot be long."
"Heaven grant that be true," Louis said in his heart; "but I believe the contrary."
The general passed his arm through the count's, led him through the saloons, and stopped at a door he opened.
"Go in, caballero," he said to him.
The count entered, and the general followed, carefully closing the door behind him.