“Dr. Barosa!” they exclaimed together, but in very different accents. Miralda’s betokened surprise, Inez’ scorn and disbelief.
“It was written last night in his presence, long after the raid on the Rua Catania house and when he had thoroughly satisfied himself and others that I had not broken my word.”
“I find that very difficult of belief,” cried Inez.
“Inez! How dare you?” cried Miralda impetuously, and then winced and flushed slightly in some confusion, as her friend turned sharply upon her with a meaning glance.
“Mr. Donnington is to be congratulated upon having so zealous a champion,” she said coldly.
But it was I, not she, who profited by this shaft. Miralda’s face set and her eyes shone as she held out her hand to me. “I owe you an apology, Mr. Donnington, for having stooped to listen to this slander. You have my word for it that I will not do it again.”
As I took her hand, Inez coughed suggestively.
Miralda understood and turned quickly from me. “There is a limit to what I will endure even from you, Inez. You have reached it now;” and Inez, being a person of discretion, held her tongue.
I left them, asking Miralda to make my excuses to her mother, and returned to my rooms in a glow of pleasure at the proof of Miralda’s confidence in me, and her zeal in risking even a breach with Inez on my account.
At my rooms I found a letter marked “Urgent and confidential.”