"He was shot in a skirmish."
"In a skirmish!" repeated Doña Carmen. "He held no military command."
"I was escorting him with a few men to attend a junta. We were attacked by a superior force, from which we escaped, thanks to an intervening river. A few shots were exchanged, the Count thrust himself into the fire, and fell."
The abbess seemed to reflect a moment, and then fixed a keen and searching look upon the countenance of Baltasar.
"Was your loss in men severe?" said she abruptly.
"No—yes—" replied Baltasar, slightly confused. "I believe there were several wounded. Why do you ask?"
"And the Count's death gives you the Villabuena estates?"
"It does so," answered Baltasar.
The dark penetrating eyes of the abbess still remained fixed, with a peculiar expression of enquiry and suspicion, upon the countenance of Colonel Villabuena. He tried at first to sustain their gaze, but was unable to do so. He looked down, and a slight paleness came over his features.
"I have no time to answer questions," said he, with a rough brutality of manner which seemed assumed to veil embarrassment. "My plan is arranged, but promptness of execution is essential to its success. Rita must be detained here, where none will think of seeking her, till she becomes my wife. Your power in this place is unlimited, and your word law; you will have no difficulty in secluding her in some corner where none shall see her but those in whom you can fully confide. Make the necessary preparations. Each moment she may arrive."