"The pursuit!" cried Morando and started for the patio gate.
"Yes, yes, the pursuit!" panted Barcelo and rolled after him.
Señora Valentino listened while Morando's clarion voice ordered the movements of the cavalry, and heard the noise of the horses' hoofs die out in a distant rumble.
"Our Colonel was out of breath and could not order the march of his men, therefore our valiant Captain does it for him!" she thought. Then she smiled bitterly. "I have laid bare my very soul before that man, and he could see nothing. He saw only that child, Carmelita Mendoza. What fatality is it that closes the eyes of the one man to me and makes him see only this miss of the province?"
Again, after a little: "Yes, I'll see his señorita for him, tell her he loves her, and doesn't mean his blunderings. Yes, I'll tell her. The fool! Yes, I'll——"
The señora walked away, her eyes glittering.
CHAPTER XX
BITTER SWEET
"Carmelita, little heart, how is it with thee?"
"Well, señora doña; many thanks. And thou?"