"Ay," answered Ricardo, "extraordinary as it may appear to you, I once knew your mother well.  However," he broke off hurriedly, "this is not the moment in which to become reminiscent; your wound is troubling you, I can see.  I will call Fonseca to dress it afresh; meanwhile, be under no apprehension as to your safety.  I will protect you with my own life, if necessary, although I do not think it will quite come to that."