"You say that with enthusiasm, Mr Gordon," said Doña Constancia. "I suppose he has good reasons for being enthusiastic," said Dolores. "Does not your heart beat quicker when you think of them, Mr Gordon?" "Hardly," replied the lieutenant; "for in spite of all your kindness to me it reminds me that I am a prisoner of war." "Do not think of that, you will not be a prisoner always," said Doña Constancia. "You will be able to go back some day and see the pretty English girls you think so much of." "I am very sorry I said that," said Dolores. "But you should not think you are a prisoner when you are with us. You are our guest, not a prisoner, and I hope you will stop long enough with us for me to learn to read 'Evelina,' and then I shall know what the English ladies are like." They had reached the end of the road between the poplars, and now stood for a space gazing over the open plain which stretched before them for no great distance ere it mingled with the fast-falling shades of night, appearing to mount upwards, as though it were the slope of some hillside, and to shut them in within a very near horizon. Lieutenant Gordon bent his ear to the ground and listened. "I can hear them," he said; "they will soon be in sight; but there are more than two of them, and they are galloping very quickly." "We will stop here, mamma, shall not we? Then they will dismount, and we will all walk back together," said Dolores. They waited, and presently the footfalls of horses at a rapid pace could be heard by them without bending to the ground. Then out of the darkness appeared four figures, who saw them and drew rein as they came closer. "Grandpapa and Uncle Gregorio also," said Dolores, clapping her hands. Two more horsemen came behind, and the first four dismounting gave their horses in charge to these two, who were peons. "Your blessing, papa," said Dolores, running up to Don Roderigo, and in another minute she was in his arms. "Your blessing, papa," said Doña Constancia, gliding in her usual stately manner up to Don Gregorio Lopez, who answered a few low words and kissed her gravely on the forehead. Then there was more kissing and saluting among the others, Gordon having his due share of the latter, after which they all turned to walk together to the house, Don Roderigo leading the way with his wife leaning on one arm, while his daughter clung to the other talking eagerly with him. Marcelino, walking beside his mother, conversed with her in low tones. The other three followed, Don Gregorio the elder occasionally addressing some complimentary observation to the lieutenant, but his son walked on beside them in silence.