moment.

'Our guest left us yesterday morning,' said the General, 'and of
course the Alcalde placed no hindrance on his departure.'

He did not look at Julia, who drew a deep breath and glanced at
Estella.

'I do not know if Senor Conyngham left any message for you with
Estella--to me he said nothing,' continued Estella's father; and
that young lady shook her head.

'No,' she put in composedly.

'Then it remains for us to close this foolish incident, my dear
Julia; and for me to remind you, seeing that you are fatherless,
that there are in Spain many adventurers who come here seeking the
sport of love or war, who will ride away when they have had their
fill of either.'

He ceased speaking with a tolerant laugh, as one who, being a
soldier himself, would beg indulgence for the failings of his
comrades, examined the hilt of his sword, and then looked blandly
round on three faces which resolutely refused to class the absent
Englishman in this category.

'It remains, my dear niece, to satisfy the Alcalde--a mere glance at
the letter--sufficient to satisfy him as to the nature of its
contents.'