The Alcalde blew out his cheeks and looked at General Vincente.
Senora Barenna would with small encouragement have thrown herself
into Conyngham's arms; but she received none whatever, and instead
frowned at Julia. Estella was looking haughtily at her father, and
would not meet Conyngham's glance.

'I feel sure,' said General Vincente in his most conciliating
manner, 'that my dear Julia will see the necessity of satisfying the
good Alcalde by showing him the letter--with, of course, the consent
of my friend Conyngham.'

He laughed, and slipped his hand within Conyngham's arm.

'You see, my dear friend,' he said in English, 'these local magnates
are a trifle inflated; local magnitude is a little inclined to
inflate, eh? Ha! ha! And it is so easy to conciliate them. I
always try to do so myself. Peace at any price--that is my motto.'

And he turned aside to arrange his sword, which dragged on the
ground.

'Tell her, my dear Conyngham, to let the old gentleman read the
letter.'

'But it is nothing to do with me, General.'

'I know that, my friend, as well as you do,' said Vincente with a
sudden change of manner, which gave the Englishman an uncomfortable
desire to know what he meant. But General Vincente, in pursuit of
that peace which had earned him such a terrible reputation in war,