In the twinkling of an eye, the breakfast was ready, and the general at table with his niece. Whilst assisting her uncle, and taking great care that he wanted for nothing, the young girl looked at him from time to time in an embarrassed manner, and did it so evidently, that the old soldier ended by observing it. "It is my opinion," he said, laying down his knife and fork, and looking at her earnestly, "that you have something to ask me, Lucita; you know very well that I am not accustomed to refuse you anything." "That is true, dear uncle; but this time, I am afraid, you will be more difficult to be prevailed upon." "Ah! ah!" the general said, gaily; "it must be something serious, then!" "Quite the contrary, uncle; and yet, I confess, I am afraid you will refuse me." "Speak, notwithstanding, my child," said the old soldier; "speak without fear; when you have told me what this mighty affair is, I will soon answer you." "Well, uncle," the girl said, blushing, but determined on her purpose, "I am compelled to say that the residence in the camp has nothing agreeable about it." "I can conceive that, my child; but what do you wish me to do to make it otherwise?" "Everything." "How so, dear?" "Nay, dear, uncle, if you were always here, it would not be dull; I should have your company." "What you say is very amiable; but, as you know I am absent every morning, I cannot be here, and----- "That is exactly where the difficulty lies." "That is true." "But, if you were willing, it could be easily removed." "Do you think so?" "I am sure of it." "Well, I don't see too clearly how, unless I remained always with you, and that is impossible." "Oh; there are other means that would arrange the whole affair." "Nonsense!" "Yes, uncle, and very simple means too." "Well, then, darling, what are these means?" "You will not scold me, uncle?" "Silly child! do I ever scold you?" "That is true! You are so kind." "Come, then; speak out, little pet?" "Well, uncle, these means----" "These means are?" "That you should take me with you every morning." "Oh! oh!" said the general, whose brows became contracted; "do you know what you ask me, my dear child?" "Why, a very natural thing, uncle, as I think." The general made no reply; he reflected. The girl watched anxiously the fugitive traces of his thoughts upon his countenance. At the end of a few instants, he raised his head. "Well, perhaps," he murmured, "it would be better so;" and fixing a piercing look upon his niece, he said, "it would give you pleasure, then, to accompany me?" "Yes, uncle, yes!" she replied. "Well, then, get ready, my dear child; henceforth you shall accompany me in my excursions." She arose from her seat with a bound, kissed her uncle warmly, and gave orders for her horse to be saddled. A quarter of an hour later, Doña Luz and her uncle, preceded by the Babbler, and followed by two lanceros, quitted the camp, and plunged into the forest.