"Allow me to withdraw, general," said Leon; "besides," he added, "I have some business to settle, and—"
"Señor, Inez has secrets to reveal to me," the old gentleman said, with a smile. "I will let you go; but only on condition that you come and see me tonight before I set out for Santiago."
"I shall not fail, general."
"Good-bye then, for the present, captain."
Leon bowed, and after exchanging a few compliments with the persons present, left the room. The abbess also retired, though somewhat reluctantly, followed by Maria, and the general found himself alone with Inez. Let us leave him and his daughter together for a moment, and accompany Leon, who found Wilhelm waiting at the gate.
"What is the matter with you?" he asked him, as he mounted his horse; "you have a very singular look today."
"Well," the German replied, "it is because I see some fellows I do not like prowling about here."
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing, except that we had better be on our guard."
"Nonsense, you are mad!"