She replied only by a haughty smile, so Quentin continued—
"Now we shall make our way together delightfully to Portalegre, and there can be no more deafness; or can it be that you and Donna Ximena changed places here in the night? Oh, tell me what does all this mean?"
"I shall tell you, senor," said the now blushing girl; "it means simply that my brother was most anxious that I, and not Donna Ximena, should reach the St. Engracia convent, as a place of permanent safety till these wars and tumults are over. He also wished to supply you with a guide to Portalegre, where, but for the loss of our horses, we should have been last night. Thus my brother——"
"Deemed that as old Donna Ximena you would be safer with me than in your own character?"
"Exactly," she replied, laughing; "we thought there would be little chance of your attentions annoying her."
"Do you imagine that when the French appeared I would have turned my horse's head and left you without thought or ceremony, as I left her—she whom I considered an old, deaf bore and encumbrance? You have acted well your part, senora. How you made me roar and shout, as if I was commanding a whole brigade!"
"And now, senor, that you know I am not Donna Ximena, will you respect me the less?"
"On the contrary, I shall respect you a great deal more," said Quentin with enthusiasm, as he took her hand in his; but she withdrew it as if to adjust her veil.
"Then, am I to understand that in your country, youth is more honourable than age?"
"Nay, it is not, but youth is more pleasing, certainly."