I was prompted to this declaration, partly to escape from a direct answer, and partly giving way to the passion already fast gathering in my bosom. It was no coquetry on my part, no desire to make a pretty passage of words. Though I spoke only from impulse, I was serious; and with no little anxiety did I watch the effect of my speech.
Her large lustrous eyes rested upon me, at first with a puzzled expression; this gradually changed to one of more significance—one that pleased me better. She seemed for a moment to throw aside her indifference, and regard me with more attention. I fancied, from the glance she gave, that she was contented with what I had said. For all that, the slight curl upon her pretty lip had a provoking air of triumph in it; and she resumed her proud hauteur as she replied—
“Come, cavallero; this is idle compliment. Am I free to go?”
I wavered betwixt duty and over-politeness: a compromise offered itself.
“Lady,” said I, approaching her, and looking as seriously as I could into her beautiful eyes, “if you give me your word that you are not a spy, you are free to go: your word—I ask nothing more.”
I prescribed these conditions rather in a tone of entreaty than command. I affected sternness, but my countenance must have mocked me.
My captive broke into unrestrained laughter, crying out at intervals—
“I a spy!—a spy! Ha, ha, ha! Señor Capitan, you are jesting?”
“I hope, señorita, you are in earnest. You are no spy, then?—you bear no dispatch for our enemy?”
“Nothing of the sort, mio capitan;” and she continued her light laughter.