"But you know, uncle, the hatred they entertain for us Spaniards."
"Unfortunately, I must allow that they repay us with interest the injury which they accuse our forefathers of having done them, and that they detest us cordially; but they do not know that you and I are Spaniards, and believe you to be hijas del país, which is a protection for you; as for don Estevan, he passes for a Peruvian, and everybody is convinced that I am a Frenchman; hence you see that the danger is not so great as you suppose, and that you have nothing to fear, at least for the present, if you commit no imprudent act; besides, you will not remain without protection. I shall not leave you alone in this house with an old man servant when a catastrophe is so near at hand; hence, reassure yourselves."
"Are you going to remain with us, uncle."
"I should do so with the greatest pleasure, my dear child; but unfortunately, I dare not promise it to you, as I fear that it will be impossible."
"But uncle, what business of so important a nature?"
"Silence, curious one: give me a light for my cigarette, for I do not know what I have done with my mechero."
"Yes," she went on, as she handed him a match, "always your old tactics to change the conversation; really, uncle, you are a horrible man."
Don Jaime laughed and lit his cigarette.
"By the bye," he said presently, "have you seen anyone from the rancho?"
"Yes, a fortnight ago Loïck came with his wife Thérèse, and brought us some cheese and two jars of pulque."