"It is a dragoon, I think; but the night is so dark I am not certain," said Ronald, as he drew back from the open window. "He has dismounted here."
At that moment the door opened, and the host appeared, bearing a long candle in his hand, flaring and sputtering in the currents of air, while he, bowing very low, introduced the Condé de Truxillo, who advanced towards them, making his long staff plume sweep the tiles of the floor at every bow he gave.
"Welcome, noble condé!" said Stuart, rising and introducing him to the rest.
"Ah, Don Ronald, are you here? I am indeed proud to see you."
"You come upon us most unexpectedly, condé."
"I have been in my saddle all day," replied the other, casting himself languidly into a chair, "and have this moment come from the quarters of Sir Rowland Hill, for whom I had despatches—"
"From Lord Wellington?"
"Yes, caballeros."
"And Ciudad Rodrigo?" cried they eagerly.
"Has fallen—"