The silence began to grow embarrassing to all, and the count speedily noticed this. As a thorough gentleman, accustomed to command immediately the most exceptional and difficult positions, he rose, walked toward the stranger with outstretched hand, and turning to his officers,—
"Gentlemen," he said, with a peculiar inflection of voice, and bowing courteously, "allow me to present to you this caballero, whose name I am not yet acquainted with, but who, from what he has himself said, is one of my most intimate enemies."
"Oh, señor conde!" the unknown said, in a stifled voice.
"I am delighted at it," the count said quickly. "Pray do not contradict me, my dear enemy, but be good enough to take a seat by my side."
"I never was your enemy; the proof is that I have ridden two hundred leagues to ask a service of you."
"It is granted ere mentioned; so put off serious matters till tomorrow. Take a glass of champagne."
The unknown bowed, seized the glass, and said, bowing to the company,—
"Gentlemen, I drink to the fortunate issue of your expedition."
And lifting the glass to his lips, he emptied it at a draught.
"You are a famous companion, sir. I thank you for your toast; it is of good omen to us."