"Senora Vallois!" I exclaimed, "can you not pardon this blunder--my deplorable ignorance of your customs? This is my first experience with your gracious salute of friends. The offence was absolutely unintentional. Believe me, my esteem and respect for Senorita Vallois is such that nothing could cause me greater grief than the consciousness I had offended her." "Do not apologize further, Senor Robinson," replied the senora, melting more at my tone and look of concern than at the words. "Your explanation is quite sufficient. I am certain my niece will pardon you the error." "If only she may!" I cried, turning to Alisanda. "Senorita, will you not forgive me? Do not hold it against me that in attempting to conform to your etiquette I passed the bounds! You must know that no disrespect was intended--Far from it! I meant only to express my great esteem." "My aunt has spoken for me, Senor Robinson," she answered coldly. "The incident is already forgotten." "But not Senor Robinson," remarked Senora Malgares. "I am consumed with curiosity to hear more about his marvellous adventures. My beloved Faciendo has told me that the senor doctor and his fellow _Americanos_ crossed and recrossed the northern mountains in the very midst of the Winter." "They were a barrier in our way, senora. We could do none else than cross them," I replied, with a side-glance at Alisanda. This time she met me with that calm, level gaze which I had always found so inscrutable. Now, as then, I looked deep into those lovely eyes and saw only mystery. But Dona Dolores would not be denied. "_Santa Maria!_" she exclaimed. "When am I to hear about your heroic journey, Senor Robinson?" "Pardon me, senora," I replied. "Don Faciendo is better qualified to serve as historian. He insisted upon learning the facts alike from Lieutenant Pike and myself." "If Don Faciendo will graciously ease our impatience," urged Senora Vallois. "Nothing could give me greater pleasure, Dona Marguerite," assented Malgares. "Be seated, friends. I am sure we are all eager to hear," said the senora. Even Walker bowed quick assent to this. "I am most interested of all present, because Senor Robinson showered endless courtesies and favors upon my beloved Pedro and Alisanda while they were journeying through his country." "Believe me, senora," I protested, "what little I was able to do fell far short of the favors I received." "One word or glance from Senorita Vallois were worth the service of a lifetime!" put in Walker. My feeling went too deep for verbal compliments. I stood dumb, and watched Walker receive a smile over my lady's fan that repaid him a hundredfold. The others were now moving toward the end of the _sala_, where were grouped three or four low divans. Alisanda glided after Dona Dolores, and Walker promptly stepped out beside her. I followed last of all, too fearful of another false move to force myself forward.