"A very fair excuse, cousin, and Carmen and I absolve you. Now, sit down between us and let us talk."
"With the greatest pleasure, cousin."
He entered the arbour, and sat down between the two young ladies.
"Permit me, doña Carmen," he continued, as he bent down courteously to the young lady, "to offer you my respectful homage, and inquire after your health."
"I thank you for this attention, caballero," she answered. "Thank Heaven, my health is very good; but I should wish that my mother's were the same."
"Is doña María ill?" he eagerly asked.
"I hope not; still she is so indisposed as to keep her room."
The count made a movement to rise.
"Perhaps, my presence might appear improper under the circumstances," he said, "and I will—"
"Not at all. Stay, caballero, you are no stranger to us. Your title of cousin, and betrothed of my dear Dolores," she said significantly, "sufficiently authorizes your presence."