by Mayne Reid
CHAPTER FIFTY NINE.
READY TO START.
As in all Mexican country houses of the class mansion, that of DonIgnacio Valverde was a quadrangular structure enclosing an innercourtyard--the _patio_. The latter a wide open area, flagged, in itscentre a playing fountain, with orange trees and other ornamentalevergreens growing in great boxes around it. Along three sides ran averandah gallery, raised a step or two above the pavement, with abaluster and railing between. Upon this opened the doors of thedifferent chambers, as they would into the hallway of an English house.Being one-storeyed, even the sleeping apartments were entered directfrom it.
That into which the ladies had retired was the _cuarto de camara_ of DonLuisa herself. No sentry had been stationed at its door; this beingunnecessary, in view of one posted at the _patio_. But through acasement window, which opened into the garden at the back, they couldsee such precaution had been taken. A soldier out there, with carbinethrown lightly over his left arm, was doing his beat backwards andforwards.
As they had no thought of attempting escape, they might have laughed atthis had they been in a mood for merriment. But they were sad, even toutter prostration.
Only for a time, however; then something of hope seemed to reanimate theCondesa, and communicate itself to her companion. It was after a reportbrought in by Pepita; for the lady's maid was allowed to attend uponthem, coming and going freely.
"He's got away--safe!" were her words, spoken in a cautious but cheeringtone, as for the second time she came into the room.
"Are you sure, Pepita?"
It was the Countess who put the question.
"Quite sure, your ladyship. I've been all around the place, to thestable, grounds, everywhere, and couldn't hear or see anything of him.Oh! he's gone, and so glad I am. They'd have made him prisoner too.Thanks to the Blessed Virgin, they haven't."
The thanksgiving was for Jose, and however fervent on Pepita's part, itwas as fervently responded to by the others, the Condesa seeming moreespecially pleased at the intelligence.
She better understood its importance, for, but the hour before, she hadgiven him conditional instructions, and hoped he might be now in the actof carrying them out.
Upheld by this hope, which the Dona Luisa, when told of it, shared withher, they less irksomely passed the hours.
But at length, alas! it, too, was near being given up, as the night grewlater, nearing midnight. Then the little _mertiza_ came in charged withnew intelligence; not so startling, since they anticipated it. The_Dueno_ had got home, and, as themselves, was under arrest. Astoundedby what he had learned on return, and angrily protesting, the soldiershad rudely seized hold of him, even refusing him permission to speakwith his daughter.
She had harboured a belief that all might be well on the coming home ofher father. The last plank was shattered now. From the chair of thecabinet minister Don Ignacio Valverde would step direct into the cell ofa prison! Nothing uncommon in the political history of Mexico--only oneof its "cosas."
On their feet they were now, and had come close to the door, which washeld slightly open by Pepita. There they stood listening to what wasgoing on outside. The sounds of revelry lately proceeding from the_sala grande_ were no more heard. Instead, calls and words of commandin the courtyard, with a bustle of preparation. Through thetrellis-work they could see a carriage with horses attached,distinguishable as their own. It was the same which had just broughtDon Ignacio from the city. But the heads of the _frisones_ were turnedoutward, as if it was intended to take them back. Men on horseback weremoving around it; soldiers, as could be seen by their armour gleaming inthe moonlight.
Those regarding their movements were not left long in suspense as totheir meaning. One of the soldiers on foot, whose sleeve chevronsproclaimed him a corporal, stepped up into the corridor, and advancingalong it, halted in front of their door. Seeing it open, with facesinside, he made a sort of military salute, in a gruff voice saying:
"_Senoritas_! Carriage ready. I've orders to conduct you to it withoutdelay."
There was something offensive in the man's manner. He spoke with athick tongue, and was evidently half intoxicated. But his air showedhim in earnest.
"You'll allow us a little time--to put on our cloaks?"
The request came from the Condesa, who for a certain reason was wishfulto retard their departure as long as might be possible.
"_Carrai-i_!" drawled out the _cabo_, the same who had won the daggerfrom darling Perico. "I'd allow such beautiful _doncellas_ as you anytime--all night--if 'twere only left to me. For myself, I'd far ratherstick to these snug quarters, and the company of this pretty_muchacha_."
At which, leaning forward, with a brutish leer, he attempted to snatch akiss from Pepita.
The girl shrunk back, but not till she had rebuked him with an angryretort and a slap across the cheek. It stung him to losing temper, andwithout further ceremony he said spitefully--
"Come, come, I'll have no more dilly-dallying: _nos vamos_!"
There was no alternative but to obey; his attitude told them he wouldinsist upon it, and instantly. Time for cloaking had been a pretence ontheir part. They were expecting the summons, and the wraps were closeat hand. Flinging them around their shoulders, and drawing the hoodsover their heads, they issued out upon the corridor, and turned alongit--the soldier preceding, with the air of one who conducted criminalsto execution.
A short flight of steps led down to the pavement of the court. Onreaching these, they paused and looked below. There was still abustling about the carriage, as if some one had just been handed intoit. Several of the soldiers were on foot around it, but the majoritywere in their saddles; and of these three or four could be distinguishedas officers by the greater profusion of gold lace on their jackets anddolmans--for they were all Hussars. One who glittered more than any,seeing them at the head of the stair, gave his horse a prick with thespur, and rode up. Colonel Santander it was, like all the rest somewhatexcited by drink; but still not so far gone as to forget gallantry, orrather the pretence of it.
"Ladies," he said, with a bow and air of maudlin humility, "I have toapologise for requiring you to start out on a journey at such a latehour. Duty is often an ungracious master. Luckily, your drive is notto be a very extended one--only to the city; and you'll have company inthe carriage. The Dona Luisa will find her father at home."
Neither vouchsafed rejoinder--not a word--scarce giving him the grace ofa look. Which a little nettling him, his smooth tone changed toasperity, as addressing himself to the soldier, he gave the abruptorder:
"_Cabo_! take them on to the carriage."
On they were taken; as they approached it, perceiving a face inside,pale as the moonbeams that played upon it. It was a very picture ofdejection; for never had Don Ignacio Valverde experienced misery such ashe felt now.
"'Tis you, father!" said his daughter, springing up, throwing her armsaround him, and showering kisses where tears already trickled. "You aprisoner, too!"
"Ay, _nina mia_. But sit down. Don't be alarmed! It will all comeright. Heaven will have mercy on us, if men do not. Sit down, Luisa!"
She sat down mechanically, the Countess by her side; and the door wasbanged to behind them. Meanwhile, Pepita, who insisted on accompanyingher mistress, had been handed up to the box by a _cochero_ strange toher; one of the soldiers, pressed into the service for the occasion, a_quondam_ "jarvey," who understood the handling of horses as everyMexican does.
All were now ready for the road; the dismounted Hussars had vaulted intotheir saddles, the "march" was commanded, and the driver had drawn hiswhip to lay it on his horses, when the animals jibbed, rearing up, andsnorting in affright!
No wonder, with such an object suddenly coming under their eyes. Anoddly-shaped creature that came scrambling in through the _saguan_, andmade stop beneath their very noses. A human being withal; who, soon asentering, called out, in a clear voice,--"Where is the Colonel?"
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