"Pish!" answered Evaña; "did you not do the same for that English friend of yours, Gordon?"
"The circumstances were quite different. I could not have done less for him, and I have my reward in a valued friendship which will last our two lives. But Gordon, how is it he has never been to see me?"
"He was sent outside after Whitelock's capitulation. The Cabildo only gave up such of Beresford's prisoners as happened to be in the city at the time of the assault; they have kept your friend Gordon for you a little longer. He went to the Pajonales, so I should not wonder if he has come back with Don Fausto."
"Poor fellow! But I should have been very sorry if he had gone without my seeing him again."
"I don't know whether I am doing right in letting you talk so much, but you do look very much better to-day, and your voice is quite clear again. That will be good news for Doña Constancia and Dolores; I shall go and see them this afternoon."
"Who is this Don Alfonso? He has been to me the best physician and the most grumpy host that ever a man had."
"If I tell you his surname you will know at once who he is, then we need talk no more of him, and I will read to you. His name is Miranda."
"Miranda!" said Marcelino meditatively; "Miranda! Is he any relation to the General, Don Francisco?"
"His brother."
"And what has he done that my father should think him his enemy?"