“Do you mean Don Carlos, my lady?”
“No;” the abrupt negative accompanied with a dissatisfied look.
“Who then, señorita?”
“Don Florencio.”
“Ay Dios! Is he here? I did not know it. But where am I to find him?”
No need to repeat the dialogue as continued. Suffice it that, before leaving the room, Pepita received full instructions where to find Don Florencio, and when found what she was to do and say to him.
So far all this was easy enough. More difficult the commission to be entrusted to José—more dangerous too. But it was made known to him in less than twenty minutes after; receiving his ready assent to its execution—though it should cost him his life, as he said. One motive for his agreeing to undergo the danger was devotion to his young mistress; another to stand well with Pepita, who had a power over him, and as he knew had entered upon her part with an ardent alacrity. But there was a third stimulus to keep up his courage, should it feel like failing—this having to do with the Condesa. Drawing out her grand gold watch—good value for a hundred dollores, and holding it up before his eyes, she said:
“That’s your reward, José; that or its worth in money.”
No need saying more. For the commission he was to execute much preparation was to be made, in all haste too. And in all haste he set to making it—determined to win the watch.