ict upon him, all the toil and
degradation would be easier to bear than that. But no. It could not be
pity alone. The sudden start and paling cheek; the look of interest in
those eyes, beautiful as ever, and so well remembered; a flash in them
that recalled the old time when he believed her heart his; all spoke of
something more than mere sympathy with his misfortune. Before the
carriage, moving slowly on, had carried her out of his sight, the
jealous fancies so late harrowing his soul, seemed to be passing away,
as though an angel was whispering in his ear, "She loves you--still
loves you!"

Needless to say, he was too much occupied in reading the expression on
Luisa Valverde's face to give even a look to the other beautiful one
beside it. And alike was he forgetful of the man who stood beside
himself. Yet, between these two neglected individuals, glances were
being exchanged also in earnest, and watchful glances, which told of
their being as much interested in one another as he in Luisa Valverde,
or she in him. Better comprehending one another, too, as a
physiognomist could have told, observing the play of their features.
The first expression on those of the Condesa was surprise, quick
changing to indignation, this as suddenly disappearing or becoming
subdued, restrained by a thought, or possibly a sign, given by her
"dear, noble Ruperto." As evinced by the fond, yet proud, sparkle of
her eyes, he was no less dear now, no less noble in that degrading garb,
than when she knew him in a gold-laced uniform, splendid as that worn by
Santander, and he, in her eyes, ten times more worthy of wearing it. If
he had turned bandit, she did not believe it; though, believing it, she
would have loved him all the same. Nor in this would she have so much
differed from the rest of her sex. Blameable as it may be, love--even
that of a lady--has but little to do with the moralities; and of a
Mexican lady perhaps less than any other. Certain, that Ruperto Rivas,
robber or no, in that crossing of glances with the Condesa Almonte
showed no sign of jealousy; instead, full confidence of being beloved by
her.

Though the account of this little episode seems long, the actual
occurrence--gestures, thoughts, looks, changes of facial expression--was
all comprised within a few seconds of time, scarce so much as a minute.

Then the carriage containing the two ladies passed on out of sight,
other carriages following, with other ladies