"Go, then, as it must be so, Doña Angela," the count said. "I intrust you to this good padre; but I swear that a fortnight shall not elapse ere we are again together."
"I hold your promise, Don Louis; it will help me to endure with greater courage the agony of absence."
"When do you expect to start?" Valentine asked.
"Now," the maiden exclaimed. "As the separation is inevitable, let us get over it at once."
"Well spoken," Valentine said. "By Jove! I return to what I said before, Doña Angela—you are a strong and nobly courageous woman; and, by heavens, I love you as a sister!"
Doña Angela could not refrain from smiling at the hunter's enthusiasm. The latter continued:—
"Hang it! But we did not think of that; you will need an escort——"
"For what?" the priest asked simply.
"By Jove! you are really delightful. Why, to protect you against the enemy's marauders."
"My friend, the respect of everybody we meet will be worth more to us than an escort, which is often compromising."