“And Vasco? Can I see him?”
“He is on duty this morning. He is better. What are you going to do?” she asked as I rose.
“To find Miralda.”
“Pray God you may be successful. You will let me know?”
With a promise to do so, I left her. I had very little doubt that I should find Miralda with Inez. She had been taken away from her home as the result of that attempt at flight; and Barosa had used Inez for the purpose. The thing must have been planned before the failure of the previous night’s scheme was known; and being uncertain of the issue, he was still afraid to break with Inez.
Under other circumstances he might have employed different means—getting Miralda into his own hands; but he would shrink from rousing Inez’ jealousy until he felt strong enough to set her at defiance.
What the effect upon him would be of the failure of the scheme was of course very difficult to say. But it was not of much consequence unless he had already got Miralda away and I should know that as soon as I saw Inez herself.
The lie which had been told about my having carried Miralda away was intended merely to blind her mother’s eyes. It offered a plausible reason for Miralda’s absence.
As I drove to Inez’ house I told Bryant to wait for me, but not to remain in the carriage, as I did not wish him to be seen; and as soon as the servant opened the door, I pushed my way in, lest Inez should refuse to see me.
She did make the attempt. In reply to my message, she sent word that she was unable to see me then, but would do so an hour later.