"Sir," the count replied, bowing gracefully to the vaquero, "I sincerely regret that I express myself so badly in Spanish, for it prevents me from proving to you the lively desire I feel to let you see the sympathy with which you have already inspired me."
"That is of no consequence, sir," the vaquero replied in French "I speak your language fluently enough to thank you for your cordial words, for which I am most grateful."
"Ah, by Jove! Sir, you delight me; this is a charming surprise; pray, accept my hand, and consider me as entirely at your service."
"Most willingly, sir, and thank you; we shall soon know each other better, and then, you will reckon me, I hope, in the number of your friends."
After these words, the two young men warmly shook hands.
"Are you satisfied, my friend?" doña Dolores asked.
"You are a fairy, dear child," Oliver replied with emotion; "you cannot imagine how happy you render me."
And he respectfully kissed the forehead which the young lady offered him. "Now," he continued, changing his tone, "let us turn to business, for time presses; but we are still one short."
"Who is it?" the young lady asked.
"Leo Carral: let me summon him;" and raising to his lips a silver whistle, he produced a shrill and long sustained note.