She was interrupted by the pattering of feet upon the stone stairway; two pairs of them, which told that two individuals were ascending. The heavy tread proclaimed them to be men. Presently their faces showed over the baluster rail, and another step brought them upon the roof. Both ladies regarding them with looks of eager inquiry, glided down out of the mirador to meet them. For they were the two messengers that had been despatched separately, though on errands so very similar. Returning, they had met by the front door, and entered the house together. Each having had orders to deliver his report, and without delay, was now acting in obedience to them. Two and two they stood upon the azotea,--the men, hat in hand, stood in front of their respective mistresses; not so far apart, but that each mistress might have heard what the servant of the other said; for on their part there was no wish or reason for concealment. "Senorita," reported Jose, "the gentleman you sent me to inquire about is not in Tacubaya." Almost a cry came from Luisa Valverde's lips, as with paled cheek, she said,--"You've not heard of him, then?" But the colour quickly returned at the answer,--"I have, Senorita; more, I have seen him." "Seen Don Florencio! Where? Speak, quick, Jose!" "In the Acordada!" "In the Acordada!" in still another voice--that of the Condesa speaking in a similar tone, as though it were an echo; for she, too, had just been told that her lover was in the same gaol. "I saw him in a cell, my lady," continued the Countess's man, now taking precedence. "They had him coupled to another prisoner--a Tejano." "He was in one of the cells, Senorita," spoke Jose, also continuing his report, "chained to a robber." CHAPTER SEVENTEEN. POR LAS ZANCAS. In all cities there is a street favoured by fashion. This in Mexico is the Calle de Plateros (street of the silversmiths), so called because there the workers in precious metals and dealers in bijouterie "most do congregate." In this street the _jovenes dorados_ (gilded youth) of modern Tenochtitlan strolled in tight-fitting patent leather boots, canary-coloured kid gloves, cane in hand, and quizzing-glass to the eye. There, too, the senoras and senoritas go shopping bareheaded, with but the shawl thrown over the crown hood-fashion.