Rosita now gave an account of the Comandante's visit; how he had called to light his cigar and get a drink of water; how he had entered the house and been attacked by Cibolo, which caused the precipitate retreat to his horse, and his hasty departure from the place. She was silent, however, about the most important particulars. She said nothing of the insulting speeches which Vizcarra had made--nothing of the kiss. She feared the effect of such a communication on Don Juan. She knew her lover was of a hot rash disposition. He would not hear these things quietly; he would involve himself in some trouble on her account; and these considerations prompted her to conceal the cause that had led to the "scene." She, therefore, disclosed only the more ludicrous effects, at which she laughed heartily. Don Juan, even knowing only so much, was inclined to regard the affair more seriously. A visit from Vizcarra--a drink of water--light his cigar--enter the rancho--all very strange circumstances, but not at all laughable, thought Don Juan. And then to be attacked and torn by the dog--to be driven from the house in such a humiliating manner--in presence of his own troop, too!--Vizcarra--the vainglorious Vizcarra-- the great militario of the place--the hero of a hundred Indian battles that never were fought--he to be conquered by a cur! Seriously, thought Don Juan, it was not an affair to laugh at. Vizcarra would have revenge, or try hard to obtain it. The young ranchero had other unpleasant thoughts in connexion with this affair. What could have brought the Comandante to the rancho? How had he found out that interesting abode,--that spot, sequestered as it was, that seemed to him (Don Juan) to be the centre of the world? Who had directed him that way? What brought the troop out of the main road, their usual route of march? These were questions which Don Juan put to himself. To have asked them of Rosita would have been to disclose the existence of a feeling he would rather keep concealed--jealousy. And jealous he was at the moment. The drink, she had served him of course,--the cigar, she had lit it for him--perhaps invited him in! Even now she appeared in the highest spirits, and not at all angry at the visit that had been paid her! Don Juan's reflections had suddenly grown bitter, and he did not join in the laugh which his sweetheart was indulging in. When after a short while she invited him in, his feelings took a turn, and he became himself again. He dismounted from his horse, and followed Rosita through the garden into the house. The girl sat down by the loom and continued her work, while the young ranchero was allowed to kneel upon the petate beside her, and converse at will. There was no objection to his occasionally assisting her to straighten out the woof or untwist a fouled thread; and, on these occasions, their fingers frequently met, and seemed to remain longer in contact than was necessary for the unravelling of the knot.