"Is he not in the castle now?"
"No."
"I certainly saw a horseman issue forth. Ah, my lord, you have allowed to escape from your hands him who is the most deserving of your anger."
"By Lucifer, explain yourself, Bellido! What would you tell me?"
"I would tell you that the youth loves your sister, and that your sister returns his love."
The count jumped to his feet as suddenly as if a serpent had pierced him with its fangs. Bellido had foreseen his rage, and, in order to lessen it, had intended to break the information to him; he had, however, precipitated it, annoyed by the impatience and the imperious tone of Don Suero.
"Bellido!" exclaimed the count, gazing fixedly at his companion, "perchance you think that I am in such good humour that I can tolerate jokes? Do you believe that the Count of Carrion is so much your friend that you can amuse yourself with him?"
"My lord," answered Bellido humbly, "the vexation you feel grieves me sincerely; but I can only repeat to you that your sister and the page are in love with each other, that they vilely deceive you, and"—
"This calumny will cost you your life, Bellido!"
"If what I tell you is not the truth I am quite willing that you cause me to be hung on the ramparts of your castle."