"How do you know, dear?"
The girl blushed.
"I guess it by the beating of my heart," she said gently.
"He is alone, I think?"
"Yes."
"Oh, Heaven! Can anything new have happened?"
"Oh! Pray do not think that."
The count appeared at the entrance of the arbour. He was really alone. He bowed to the young ladies, and waited for their permission to join them. Doña Dolores offered him her hand with a smile, while her companion bowed to hide her blushes.
"You are welcome, cousin," said doña Dolores. "You arrive late today."
"I am pleased, cousin," he replied, "that you have noticed this involuntary delay. My friend, don Domingo, who was obliged to go this morning early two leagues from the city, intrusted me with a commission, which I was compelled to execute before I could have the felicity of paying my respects to you."