The two men bowed and shook hands.
"We have formed acquaintance like men of honour," Valentine remarked.
"Is not that the best form of introduction?"
"We cannot remain any longer here," Father Seraphin observed.
"I will myself return with you, señor padre," Don Rafaël said. "I intended to proceed to the count's camp; but I have found a better way of seeing him and securing his friendship."
"And what is that way?"
"By offering a shelter to Doña Angela at the Hacienda del Milagro, which belongs to me."
"Yes," the missionary said; "pardon me, Don Rafaël, for not having thought of that: it is the refuge best suited for this lady."
"I accept gratefully," the young lady murmured; and bending down to the hunter's ear, she whispered, smiling and blushing at the same time, "Don Valentine, will you undertake to say one word for me to Don Louis?"
"One!" he said. "What is it?"