With all his gallantry and politeness--and to these he made much pretension--it was not his custom to receive lady visitors standing. In the upright attitude the artificial leg made him look stiff, and he preferred stowing it away under the table. Besides, there was his dignity, as the grand figure-head of the nation, which he now wished to have its full effect. Leaning forward, he gave a downward blow to the spring of the table bell; then assuming an attitude of expectant grandeur, sate expectant. This time the aide-de-camp required no passing to and fro; and the door again opening, the ladies were ushered into the august presence. In their air and manner they betrayed agitation too, while the serious expression upon their features told they were there on no trivial errand. "Pray be seated, ladies," said the Dictator, after exchanging salutations with them. "'Tis not often the Condesa Almonte honours the Palacio with her presence, and for the Senorita Valverde, were it not for official relations with her father, I fear we should see even less of her than we do." While speaking he pointed to a couple of couch chairs that stood near the table. They sat down rather hesitatingly, and slightly trembling. Not that either would have been at all timid had the occasion been a common one. Both were of Mexico's best blood, the Condesa one of the old _noblesse_ who hold their heads higher even than the political chief of the State, when he chances to be--as more than once has occurred--an adventurer of humbler birth. Therefore, it was not any awe of the great dignitary that now unnerved them, but the purpose for which they were seeking speech with him. Whether Santa Anna guessed it, or not, could not be told by his looks. An experienced diplomatist, he could keep his features fixed and immovable as the Sphinx, or play them to suit the time and the tune. So, after having delivered himself, as above, with the blandest of smiles upon his face, he remained silent, awaiting the rejoinder. It was the Condesa who made it. "Your Excellency," she said, doing her utmost to look humble; "we have come to beg a favour from you." A gratified look, like a gleam of light, illuminated Santa Anna's swarthy features. Ysabel Almonte begging favours from him! What better could he have wished? With all his command of features he but ill-concealed the triumph he now felt. It flashed up in his eyes as he said respondingly-- "A favour you would ask? Well, if it be within my power to grant it, neither the Condesa Almonte, nor the Dona Luisa Valverde need fear refusal. Be frank, then, and tell me what it is." The Countess, with all her courage, still hesitated to declare it. For despite the ready promise of compliance, she did fear a refusal; since it had been asked for that same morning and though not absolutely refused, the answer left but little hope of its being conceded.