Conversation was brisk during the whole time the dinner lasted, each man spoke proudly of the part he had taken in these events, every face beamed with confidence, none seeming to have any doubt of the prosperous future they had secured for their country, but the eye of Don Gregorio wandered now and then uneasily to that vacant chair, which had been placed for his son-in-law Don Roderigo, and which had been kept vacant, in the hope that he might appear.
The dinner concluded with a number of patriotic toasts, proposed in eloquent words, and honoured with enthusiasm, after which the company adjourned to the sala, where many ladies awaited them, among whom the eye of Don Gregorio sought in vain for his daughter Constancia, or for his granddaughter Dolores. The younger people soon commenced dancing, while the elders collected in groups in the corners of the sala, or in the ante-sala, talking; some remained in the dining-room, where coffee was served to them, of whom Colonel Lopez was one. As Evaña had risen from his seat to go to the sala the Colonel had stopped him, and Evaña had taken another chair beside him.
"So you have your republic at last," said the Colonel, after they had conversed some time together.
"Not quite," replied Evaña, "but to this there can be only one end, a republic."
"Then there is work before us yet?"
"Without doubt. Here the Spaniards are powerless, but in the provinces they may yet raise opposition."
"And you wish me to join this expedition with my regiment?"
"I do, and more. You have no officer under you above the rank of captain, I wish you to take me with you with the rank of major."
To this the Colonel made no answer, but sat twisting his moustachios.