A sigh of relief escaped the breast of the marchioness. If the young man had gone away, it was with the intention of being of service to them. All hope was not then lost to them, since a devoted friend was still watching over their safety.
"I thank you," she replied, "for what you have consented to tell me; there is the reliquary."
The Pincheyra bounded on it like a wild beast on his prey, and hid it under his poncho.
"You swear to me that these relics are true?" he asked, in a suspicious tone.
"I swear it."
"No matter," murmured he, shaking his head; "I will have them blessed by Father Gomez; that can do no harm. Adieu, Madame."
And without further salutation he turned on his heel, left the toldo as abruptly as he had entered it, keeping his right hand firmly on his breast, no doubt to assure himself that the precious reliquary was still in the place where he had hidden it.
There was a long silence between the two ladies after the departure of the Pincheyra.
The marchioness at last raised her eyes, and fixed a long look on her daughter, who, her head reclined on her breast, seemed lost in bitter reflections.
"Eva!" said she, in a gentle voice.