She was inclined to laugh at herself next morning, and to chide herself
for being sentimental, and the opportunity to administer another
reproof speedily presented itself.
"Did you hear someone singing a serenade in the courtyard last night,
Myra, after we went to bed?" one of the guests inquired in Don Carlos's
hearing.
"Yes, I thought of throwing him a few coppers in the hope he would stop
and let me get to sleep," drawled Myra, and had the satisfaction of
seeing Don Carlos's lips tighten and his black brows draw together in a
frown.
"If you are prepared to run the risk of being waylaid by El Diablo
Cojuelo, I suggest that you go riding and allow me to show you the
neighbourhood," Don Carlos said. "I have half a dozen good horses in
my stables."
Myra, Tony, and several others who were keen on horse exercise welcomed
the proposal with enthusiasm, and went to change into riding kit.
Their ride was quite uneventful. They saw some fine mountain scenery,
but no sign of any brigands. They did, however, meet a squad of
mounted carabineros, who saluted them respectfully, and with the leader
of whom Don Carlos paused to chat.
"You will be relieved to learn that the officer reports that everything
seems quiet, and he has no news of El Diablo Cojuelo having been seen
in the neighbourhood for many weeks," he reported when he rejoined his
guests. "But I doubt if he has taken fright, as the Captain suggests.
He isn't easily scared."
He made no attempt to make love to Myra that day, but often she caught
him looking at her with an expression that baffled her and made her
feel vaguely uneasy. He looked, somehow, like a schoolboy with a
sphinx-like expression, planning mischief and inwardly enjoying some
private joke.
"He is quite the most exasperating man I have ever met--and the most
interesting," Myra reflected, as she dressed for dinner that evening.
"I wonder if he really has a heart, or if he is acting all the time?"
Dinner was served in the great hall that night, and once again it was a
triumph for the chef and the host. During the meal an orchestra,
composed of some of the servants on the estate, clad in picturesque
national costumes, discoursed sweet, haunting, heart-stirring music.
Outside, the courtyard was festooned with coloured lights and around
lighted braziers groups of men, women and children, in multi-coloured
garments, were gathered, feasting, singing, playing and dancing.
"To-night, if it pleases you, we will mingle with my people, who are
holding festival in your honour," said Don Carlos when dinner was over.
"I would advise you all to put on your warmest wraps, for the night
winds here in the Sierra Morena are treacherous."