“Welcome, welcome! Mr Thorne,” said Mariquita. “Anita has just been stating that Mr Bruin’s attentions last night were so very pressing that she considers herself indebted to him a hug in return.” “Miss Anita shall find Mr Bruin a very pressing creditor for the liquidation of that debt,” said our hero, advancing towards her; and in the full playfulness of their character, both girls seized the gratified bachelor by the hands as if he had been an overgrown playmate. At this moment Mr Griffin presented himself, and the ladies hastily, but without agitation, assumed the attitude of polite and attentive hostesses. “Permit me, ladies,” said Thorne, “to introduce my friend Mr Griffin, who I have no doubt regrets not being yet entitled to the warm and frank reception extended to old friends in the _Camp_ of Buenos Ayres.” “We are happy to see you in the _Camp_, Mr Griffin,” replied the elder sister with great courtesy. “We have been longing for some company all day, and consider ourselves very fortunate in being favoured with a visit from Mr Thorne, and any friend of his.” “I consider myself fortunate in being introduced to you by Mr Thorne at a time when our company promises to be agreeable to you.” “I hope you are accustomed to our long, and rather fatiguing rides in the Camp.” “I assure you, I am amply repaid already, miss, for the fatigue we have undergone, by the beauty and richness of every thing I see near and around me,” said Griffin giving a kind of circuitous bow. “As you are accustomed to the beauty and freshness of the scenery,” said Mariquita with an arch smile, “may I offer you a glass of your favourite champagne, Mr Thorne?” “You are very kind, Señorita, to be so attentive to my favourite tastes. A glass of champagne will be very refreshing after the ride.” “Or shall it be your favourite brandy and water?” edged in the little wicked Anita, with a twinkle in the eye which took away every vestige of satire that the question might otherwise have implied when addressed to our hero. “The brandy and water will be fully as good, Miss Anita,” replied Tom, “if you would brisk it up with a few sparkles from these eyes of yours.” “A truce to such bubbles of fancy,” said Mariquita. “Which shall it be, gentlemen?” “Mr Thorne or I could be happy with either,” said Griffin; “but pray let it be champagne, and then we may hope that you will partake.” “Bravo, bravo, Griffin! champagne be it.” “Pray, ladies, is not the ‘Patron’ here?” “Oh yes!” replied Anita, “but he is not likely to be back till late; he is taking a ride over the chacra with Señor Le Brun.” An involuntary start escaped Thorne at the mention of that name. “What ails you, Mr Thorne?” cried Anita. “Nothing, Anita--nothing. Why, I have had the pleasure of meeting him this morning already. But I see we have interrupted your amusements at the piano, which I trust will be renewed after our refreshment.”