Although the adventurer omitted, no doubt purposely, one-half of the ladies' names, the young man did not appear to notice it, and bowed respectfully.
"Now," don Jaime resumed gaily, "you are one of the family; you are acquainted with our Spanish hospitality: if you require anything, speak; we are all at your service."
They sat down, and while taking refreshments, conversed—
"You can speak quite openly, baron," don Jaime said; "these ladies are aware of the frightful events at the hacienda."
"More frightful than you suppose, I fancy," the young man said; "and since you take an interest in this unhappy family, I am afraid to add to your grief, and be a messenger of evil tidings."
"We are intimately connected with don Andrés de la Cruz and his charming daughter," doña María observed.
"In that case, madam, forgive me if I have only bad news to impart to you."
The young man hesitated.
"Oh, speak! Speak!"
"I have only a few words to say: the Juarists have seized Puebla; the town surrendered to the first summons."