The bow was returned. As Don Diego straightened his back he found a pair of very bright blue eyes looking into his. The two men seemed to measure each other; it is probable that each conceived an instant dislike for the other, but each hid the uncharitable emotion. "The Chevalier is travelling amongst us for his pleasure," said Don Juan. "We are all resolved to show him the true Spanish hospitality that he may carry a good tale of us home with him to Paris." Don Diego smiled politely. "I hope so, señor. But the Chevalier comes at a bad season; the amusements draw to a close, and we all think of the country, just so soon as the Court moves to Valladolid." He looked at Beauvallet. "A pity you did not come a month ago, señor. There was a bull-fight might have interested you: I believe you do not have them in France. And an _auto da fé_ as well. There was a great press of people," he said pensively. "One turned faint at the heat and the smell of the common people." "Did you indeed?" said Beauvallet sarcastically. For the life of him he could not control that disdainful curl of the lip. "What I have missed!" "Yes, I fear we shall see no more such sights yet awhile," said Don Diego regretfully. His wandering gaze came back to Beauvallet. "I regret I was not at de Losa's house last night, where I was told I might have had the felicity of meeting you." He bowed again. "My loss, señor," said Sir Nicholas. "I looked for Don Manuel de Rada, known to me through hearsay, and--alas!--heard the sad news of his death." "Alas indeed," Don Diego answered. But it did not seem to Beauvallet that this sentiment came from the heart. "I shall do myself the honour of waiting upon your father, señor," said Beauvallet. "My father will count himself honoured, señor. Do you stay long in Madrid?" "Some few weeks, perhaps. No more, I believe. But I detain you." He stepped back, doffed his cap again, and bowed. "I shall hope to see more of you, señor." "The pleasure will be mine, señor," returned Don Diego. On that they parted. Later in the day Sir Nicholas sought out his sponsor, Don Diaz de Losa, and had no difficulty in getting from him a letter of introduction to Don Rodriguez de Carvalho. "All goes merrily," he said to himself, as he walked back to the Rising Sun. "Enough for one day, I think. Patience, Nick!" Upon the morrow he made his way to the Casa Carvalho, and was fortunate enough to find Don Rodriguez at home. If he had hoped to see Dominica he was disappointed. No glimpse of her could be obtained, though he sharply scrutinised the windows that gave on to the _patio_ as he crossed it behind the lackey. He was ushered into a dusky library that looked out on to the walled garden Joshua had discovered. Volumes in tooled leather lined the room; there were several chairs of walnut, tortuously carved, a Catalan chest, with flat pilasters upon its front and sides, and an escabeau over against the window.