"No matter; let us see," Valentine said. "It is often the case that the people we least expect are the most agreeable visitors."
And he went to open the door. It was scarce ajar ere a woman rushed into the house, crying to the hunter in a voice rendered hoarse by terror,—
"Look, look! I am pursued!"
Valentine rushed out.
Although this woman was tapada—that is to say, her features were completely hidden by a rebozo—the count recognised her at once. What other woman but Doña Angela could come to see him in this way? It was, in reality, the general's daughter. The count received her half fainting into his arms, laid her on a butaca, and began lavishing on her all those attentions which her condition demanded.
"In Heaven's name, speak! What is the matter with you?" he exclaimed. "What has happened?"
In a little while the young lady recovered, passed her hand over her forehead several times, and gazed at the count with an expression of intense happiness.
"At length I see you again, my love!" she exclaimed as she burst into tears, and threw herself headlong into his arms.
Don Louis returned her caresses, and tried to calm her. The maiden was suffering from a strange nervous excitement, her large black eyes were haggard, her face pallid as that of a corpse, and her whole body was agitated by a convulsive tremor.
"Tell me, my child, what is the matter with you? In Heaven's name, explain! I implore you, speak. Angela, speak, if you love me."