I bethought me of an apology. What excuse could I offer for such unceremonious intrusion? Accident? She would not believe it; the time and the place were against such a supposition. With an intellect like hers, it would be idle to adopt so shallow an artifice. No; I would not dissemble; I would boldly avow the truth. Jealousy had rendered me reckless of the result.
“Adios, cavallero!” said she, interrupting my hurried reflections. “Carrambo! where is your guide? How have you found this place?”
“Easily enough, señorita; I followed the tracks of your horse.”
“But so soon—I did not expect you—”
“No; you expected another?”
“Certainly. I thought Cyprio would arrive before you—”
“Cyprio!”
“Cyprio—yes, Cyprio.”
“Señorita! if this be another name for your Protean cousin, I have to say it will be better for him he should not arrive at all.”
“My cousin?—better not arrive? Holy Trinity, capitan! I do not comprehend you!”