The mention of Santander's name, but more a connection with the subject spoken of, produced a visible effect on Luisa Valverde. Her cheek seemed to pale and suddenly flashed red again. Well she remembered, and vividly recalled, the old enmity between him and Don Florencio. Too well, and a circumstance of most sinister recollection as matters stood now. She had thought of it before; was thinking of it all the time, and therefore the words of the Condesa started no new train of reflection. They but intensified the fear she had already felt, for a time holding her speechless. Not noticing this, and without waiting a rejoinder, the other ran on, still interrogating: "Whom have you trusted with this delicate mission, may I ask?" "Only Jose?" "Well; Jose, from what I've seen of him, is worthy of the trust. That is so far as honesty is concerned, and possibly cleverness. But, _amiga mia_, he's only a humble servitor, and out there in Tacubaya, among the garrison soldiers, or if it be in any of the prisons, he may experience a little difficulty in obtaining the information you seek. Did you give him any money to make matters easy?" "He has my purse with him, with permission to use it as he may see best." "Ah! then you may safely expect his bringing back a good account, or at all events one that will settle the question you wish to have settled. Your purse should be a key to Don Florencio's prison--if he be inside one anywhere in Mexico." "Oh! I hope he is." "Wishing your _amanti_ in a prison! That would sound strange enough, if one didn't understand it." "I'd give anything to know him there--all I have to be assured he still lives." "Likely enough you'll soon hear. When do you expect your messenger to be back?" "At any moment. He's been gone many hours ago. I was watching for him when you came up--yonder on the Tacubaya Road. I see nothing of him yet, but he may have passed while we've been talking." "_Muy amiga mia_! How much our doings this day have been alike. I, too, have despatched a messenger to find out all about Ruperto, and am now awaiting his return. I ran across to tell you of it. And now that we're together let us stay till we know the worst or the best. God help us both; for, to make use of the phrase I've heard among _marineros_, we're `both in the same boat.' What is this?" she added, stooping, and taking up the gilded card which had been all the while lying upon the floor. "Oh, indeed! Invitation to an airing in one of the State carriages--with such a pretty compliment appended! How free El Excellentissimo is with his flattery. For myself I detest both him and it. You'll go, won't you?" "I don't wish it." "No matter about wishing; I want you. And so will your father, I'm sure." "But why do you want me?" "Why, so that you may take me with you." "I would rather wait till I hear what father says." "That's all I ask, _amiga_. I shall be contented with his dictum, now feeling sure--"