Beside him stood a small table of ornamental wood, on which was placed a cup of Chinese porcelain containing coffee. It was of the kind known among Spanish-Americans as _cafe de siesta_; on the principle, no doubt, _lucus a non lucendo_: since it is usually so strong that a single cup of it is sufficient to rob one of the power of sleep for a period of at least twenty-four hours. In the doorway opening into the garden stood Don Rafael, who appeared to be watching the evolutions of the parroquets, amidst the branches of the pomegranates, with all the interest of a naturalist. Though his countenance was calm, his heart was trembling at the thought of the _entretien_ he had proposed on bringing about. Gertrudis, with head inclined, was seated near by, occupied with the embroidery of one of those scarfs of white cambric, which the Mexican gentlemen are accustomed to wear over their shoulders, after the fashion of the Arab burnouse, to protect them from the too fierce rays of the sun. Despite the tranquil silence of the haciendado, at intervals a cloud might have been observed upon his brow; while the pale countenance of Don Rafael also exhibited a certain anxiety, belying the expression of indifference which he affected. The spirit of Gertrudis in reality was not more calm. A secret voice whispered to her that Don Rafael was about to say something; and that same voice told her it was some sweet prelude of love. Nevertheless, despite the quick rush of her Creole blood, and the sudden quivering that rose from her heart to her cheeks, she succeeded in concealing her thoughts under that mask of womanly serenity which the eye of man is not sufficiently skilful to penetrate. The only individual present whose countenance was in conformity with his thoughts, was the _arriero_--Don Valerio Trujano. With hat in hand, and standing in front of the haciendado, he had come to say _adios_, and thank Don Mariano for the hospitality his house had afforded him. To that easy gracefulness of manners common to all classes in Spanish-America, there was united in the person of the _arriero_ a certain imposing severity of countenance, which, however, he could temper at will by the aid of a pair of eyes of mild and benevolent expression. Notwithstanding that his social position was not equal to that of his host--for Mexico had not yet become republican--Valerio Trujano was not regarded as an ordinary guest either by Don Mariano or his daughters. Independent of his reputation for honesty beyond suspicion--for profound piety as well--which he enjoyed throughout the whole country, he possessed other high qualities that had entitled him to universal esteem. The generosity and courage which he had exhibited on the preceding evening--when assisting a stranger at the risk of his own life--had only added to the great respect already entertained for him by the inmates of the Hacienda las Palmas.