"A pleasant trip," continued don Andrés, "and mind you are careful whom you meet, Juárez' cuadrillas are beginning to prowl about the neighbourhood, so I have been informed."
"Do not be alarmed, papa," doña Dolores replied; "besides," she added with a charming smile aimed at the young man, "under my cousin's escort I fear nothing."
"Be off then and get back early."
"We shall return before the oración, papa."
Don Andrés gave them a last farewell nod, and they left the hacienda. The count and the young lady galloped side by side. Raimbaut, as a well trained servant, followed a few paces in the rear.
"I will act as your guide, cousin," the young lady said, when they had ridden some distance out into the plain and were lost among clumps of liquidambars.
"I could not desire a better one," Ludovic answered gallantly.
"Stay, cousin," she resumed, giving him a side glance, "I have a confession to make to you."
"A confession, cousin?"
"Yes, I see you are such a good fellow, that I feel ashamed at having deceived you."