It was a most embarrassing situation. Longorio kept Alaire for
ever upon the defensive, and it sorely taxed her ingenuity to hold
the conversation in safe channels. As the journey proceeded it
transpired that the man had made use of his opportunities to learn
everything about her, even to her life with Ed. His information
was extensive, and his deductions almost uncanny in their
correctness. He told her about Austin's support of the Rebel cause
and her own daily doings at Las Palmas; he intimated that her
unhappiness was almost more than he could bear.
This intimate knowledge and sympathy he seemed to regard as a bond
that somehow united them. He was no longer a new acquaintance, but
a close and loyal friend whose regard was deathless.
Undoubtedly the man had a way with him. He impressed people, and
his magnetism was potent. Moreover, he knew the knack of holding
what ground he gained.
It was an odd, unreal ride, through the blazing heat of the long
afternoon. Longorio cast off all pretense and openly laid siege to
the red-haired woman's heart--all without offering her the
smallest chance to rebuff him, the slightest ground for open
resentment, so respectful and guarded were his advances.
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