It
effected much good, I assure you."
For a moment Alaire and her companion rode in silence, but the
teniente was not content with this praise of his leader.
"And yet General Longorio has another side to his character," he
continued. "He can be as mild as the shyest senorita, and he
possesses the most beautiful sentiments. Women are mad over him.
But he is hard to please--strangely so. Truly, the lady who
captivates his fancy may count herself fortunate." The old soldier
turned in his saddle and, with a grace surprising in one of his
rough appearance, removed his hat and swept Alaire a bow the
unmistakable meaning of which caused her to start and to stammer
something unintelligible.
Alaire was angry at the fellow's presumption, and vexed with
herself for showing that she understood his insinuation. She
spurred her horse into a gallop, leaving him to follow as he
could.
It was absurd to take the man's word seriously; indeed, he
probably believed he had paid her a compliment. Alaire assured
herself that Longorio's attentions were inspired merely by a
temporary extravagance of admiration, characteristic of his
nationality. Doubtless he had forgotten all about her by this
time.
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