"What do you hope from this interview, niña? Do you not know that your father is our most inveterate foe?"
"What you say is too late now. You ought to have urged these objections when I sent my request to you."
"That is true; but at that time I still had hopes, which I can no longer entertain. Believe me, niña, do not insist on seeing Don Louis. Return as speedily as possible to the hacienda. What will your father think if he does not see you on his arrival?"
"I repeat to you that I will have a most important conversation with Don Louis. It must be, for his sake and for mine."
"Think of the consequences of such a step."
"I think of nothing. I warn you that, if you still refuse to perform your promise to me, I will go alone to find the conde."
The hunter regarded her for an instant with a singular expression. He shook his head sorrowfully, and took her hand, which he pressed affectionately.
"Your will be done," he replied gently. "No one can alter his destiny. Come, then, as you insist on it. God grant that your obstinacy does not entail frightful disaster!"
"You are a bird of ill omen," she said with a laugh. "Come, let us start. You will see all end better than you anticipate."
"I consent; but trust yourself to me, and leave your escort here."