"Ah!"
"Yes, for the simple reason that Doña Angela, by my advice, refused to receive her father's visit during your absence."
"She had the strength to do that?" the count said, as he stopped and fixed a piercing glance on the Spaniard.
"By my advice, yes."
"Thanks, Don Cornelio. Then Father Seraphin and the general——"
"Are awaiting your return in a jacal built expressly for them, where, though apparently free, the general is under such strict surveillance that I defy him to make the slightest movement without my knowledge."
"You were right in acting as you have done, my friend. In these difficult circumstances you have displayed great prudence, and, above all, great perspicacity."
Don Cornelio, on hearing this compliment, blushed like a girl, and let his eyes fall modestly.
"What do you intend doing?" Valentine asked the count.
"Leave Doña Angela mistress of her will. Go and advise her of my return, dear Don Cornelio: you will at the same time lead her father and the missionary to her. Go: I follow you."