She went away and Barosa began to unfasten the knots. He was very suspicious and went to work cautiously. But he need not have feared. The instant the cords were released and the stagnant blood began to course again through the veins, I was not only helpless but in positive agony, from my aching head to my throbbing feet.
Inez had been back some time before I could bear to move and when I strove to sit up in order to take the spirit she had fetched, I fell back like a log, sick, dizzy and as helpless as a new-born babe. Barosa held me up while she poured a little brandy between my chattering teeth.
The pain subsided slowly and the brandy stimulated me, and after a long interval—I made it long enough to try Barosa’s patience sorely—I struggled to a sitting posture.
“What is this you have told Contesse Inglesia?” he asked.
I passed my hand across my forehead and stared at him vacantly.
“You know well enough what I mean. Repeat it to me.”
“What about?” I muttered.
“About Mademoiselle Dominguez. Some lie Major Sampayo is said to have told you.”
I looked from him to Inez, and met her eyes fixed upon me intently. “Tell me,” I said to her.
“What Major Sampayo said about the reason why Miralda was betrothed to him.”