“What, are you going?” asked Rafaela.
“Yes.”
“Are you afraid of us?” said Transito.
“Afraid of being enchanted,” replied Quentin gallantly, as he bowed and went in search of his horse.
“Wait! Take me on the croup,” Remedios shouted.
“No, no; you’ll fall,” said Rafaela.
“No, I won’t,” replied the child.
“The horse is gentle,” Quentin put in.
“Very well then; you may take her for a while.”
Quentin mounted rapidly, and Remedios climbed upon the step of the carriage that stood near. Quentin rode up to her and stuck out his left foot for her to use as a support. The little girl stepped upon it, and seizing Quentin about the waist, leaped to the horse’s croup and threw her arms about the rider.