"Senor Don Mariano," said the officer, in a voice trembling with emotion, "nothing less than news similar to what I have just now heard could have tempted me to abridge a sojourn under your roof, which I should have been only too happy to have prolonged; but when one's father is in danger--even to the risk of life--his son's place should be by his side. Is it not so, Dona Gertrudis?" On hearing the first words of Don Rafael's speech, which announced the intention of a precipitate departure, a cry of anguish had almost escaped from the lips of the young girl. With the heroism of a woman's heart she had repressed it; and stood silent with her eyes fixed upon the floor. "Yes, yes!" murmured she, replying to Don Rafael's question in a low but firm voice. There was an interval of silence, during which a sort of sinister presentiment agitated the spirits of the four personages present. The homicidal breath of civil war was already commencing to make itself felt within the domestic circle. Trujano was the first to recommence the conversation--his eyes gleaming as he spoke like one of the ancient prophets moved by Divine inspiration. "This morning," said he, "an humble servant of the Most High, the obscure priest of a poor village, has left you to offer up his prayers for the insurgent cause. And now an instrument, not less humble, by the will of God takes leave of you to offer it his arm, and if need be, his life. Pray for them! good and beautiful Madonna!" he continued, addressing himself to Gertrudis, and speaking with that religious and poetical fervour which was the leading trait in his character; "pray for them; and perhaps it will please the Almighty to show that from the very dust He can raise the power that may hurl the tyrant from his throne." On saying these words, the _arriero_ respectfully pressed the hands that were held out to him, and then walked out of the _sala_, followed by Don Mariano. CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR. THE LOVERS ALONE. It may be that the haciendado had reasons for thus leaving his daughter alone with Don Rafael, during the few short moments that should elapse previous to the departure of the young officer. The voices of the muleteers, who were busily lading the _recua_ of Don Valerio, scarce reached the ears of the lovers, who were now embarrassed by the profound silence that reigned in the _sala_. It was the first time they had found themselves alone, since the arrival of the officer at the hacienda.