"I am ready to listen to you, señor caballero."
"Do not stop, I beg, señora," Valentine said. "This worthy man, who doubtless shares all your secrets," he added, with an ironical smile, "can hear our conversation, which, indeed, will relate to him."
"In truth," the girl answered, in a firmer voice, as she let her horse proceed, "I have nothing hidden from this worthy man, as you do him the honour of calling him."
"Very good, señora," the hunter continued with equal coldness. "Now, be good enough not to take in ill part what I am about to say to you, and answer a question I shall take the liberty of asking you."
"I presume you intend me to undergo an interrogation?"
"That is not my intention, at least at this moment; it will depend on you, madam, that we do not pass the limits of a friendly conversation."
"Speak, sir. If the question you ask me is one of those a woman may answer, I will satisfy you."
"Be good enough to tell me, madam, whether you found us cruel enemies last night?"
"Why this question?"
"Be so kind as to answer it first."