Absence has prevented him from attending to that delightful duty heretofore.

He has but just returned from Albuquerque." "Tell him I shall be glad to see him," smiled Aunt Maria.

"But what does he say of the San Juan route ?" "He advises it.

He has been in the overland trade for thirty years.

He is tenderly interested in his relative Clara; and he advises her to go by way of the San Juan." "Then so it shall be," declared Aunt Maria.
"And how do you go, Lieutenant ?" asked Coronado, turning to Thurstane.
"I had thought of travelling with you," was the answer, delivered with a grave and troubled air, as if now he must give up his project.
Coronado was delighted.