"Yes, I will go with you," said Agueda. "But, we must hasten. I have been away so long already. What time should you think it is, Aneta?"
Aneta turned to the west and looked up to the sky with that critical eye which rural dwellers who possess no timepiece acquire.
"Perhaps three o'clock, Agueda, perhaps four. Not so very late."
"So that I am home by six it will do," said Agueda.
She reproached herself that she should think of the happiness that awaited her at home while Aneta was so sad.
When they were again dressed, Agueda mounted Castaño, and riding close to an old mahogany stump, gave her hand to Aneta, aiding her to spring up to the horse's flank. Castaño was not over-pleased at this addition to his burden, but he made no serious demonstration, and started off toward the ford. The ford crossed, Agueda guided Castaño along the bank of the stream.
"Is this the Brandon place?" asked Agueda.
"No," said Aneta. "It is part of the Silencio estate."
Again Agueda felt the flush arise which had made her uncomfortable in the morning.
"I have never been this way," said Agueda, who was following Aneta's directions. "I was there this morning, but I rode down the gran' camino."
"Yes," said the easily diverted Aneta. "Follow the little path. They live on the river bank below the hill." In a few moments a thatched roof began to show through the trees.
"There it is," said Aneta; "there is Andres' rancho."
When they arrived at the rancho they found that the door was closed. Agueda rapped with her whip. "They are all away, I think," said she.
"Oh! then, they are not all away," piped a little voice from the inside. "Take the key from the window, and I will let you open my door."
Agueda laughed. Aneta slid off the horse, and Agueda rode to the high window, from whose ledge she took a key.
"My Roseta, is that you?" called the child's voice.
Aneta looked up at Agueda and shook her head with a pitying motion. The child's sorrow had effaced her own for the time.
"No, El Rey," she called; "it is Aneta, and I bring Agueda, from San Isidro."
"You are welcome, Señoritas," piped the little voice again.
By this time Aneta had inserted the key in the lock and opened the door. A small, thin child was sitting on the edge of a low bed. He arose to greet them with a show of politeness which struggled against weariness.
