"All men?" reiterated Ronald in surprise.
A burst of laughter from the fair speaker followed; and bending her face close to his,—so close that her soft curls fell upon it, she added, "Inesella de Truxillo. I knew not that my features were so easily forgotten, even by the admirers of my cousin."
"Senora, how happy am I to see you here, and in safety! The ravages at Merida led me to expect the worst. And your cousin, Donna Catalina,—she is of course, with you?" said Ronald, looking anxiously at the faces of the other three ladies.
"O most unfortunate Catalina!" exclaimed Inesella, beginning to weep, "I fear she is for ever lost to us."
"How, Donna Inesella! Speak for Heaven's sake!" said Ronald, while his heart fluttered with agitation.
"O Juan de Dios! be her protection. She was carried off by the enemy, while I escaped in consequence of the Count d'Erlon's mandate. The house was destroyed by fire, and our miserable uncle, the poor dear old padre, perished in it."
A deep malediction was growled by the escort, who reined their horses back a few paces.
"The demons! and by whose order was that done?"
"Their chef d'escadre, the Baron de Clappourknuis, or some such name."
"He is now a prisoner in the castle of Belem; but Catalina—"