“Now, Don Augustin, you perceive my reason for saying that this young fellow, whatever may be his family, is not the less likely to make a good match for the Doña Rosarita.”
“I agree with you,” responded the haciendado; “but, as I have said to you, my word is given to Don Estevan de Arechiza.”
“What!” exclaimed the monk, “this Spaniard to be your son-in-law!”
Don Augustin smiled mysteriously as he replied:—
“He! no, good Fray José, not he, but another. Don Estevan does not wish this alliance.”
“Caspita!” exclaimed the monk. “Does he think it beneath him?”
“It may be he has the right to think so,” added Don Augustin, again smiling mysteriously.
“But who is this man?” inquired the monk, with an air of surprise.
Just as Don Augustin was about to reply, a servant entered the sala.
“Señor Don Augustin,” said the servant, “there are two travellers at the gate, who beg of you to give them a night’s lodging. One of them says that he is known to you.”