"I do not care; I do not care. This shall not be. I swear it shall not. I swear by the Holy Virgin it shall not." Her words came with almost hysterical vehemence. "I claim his safety. Come what may, I dare you to harm him, Sebastian. I dare you," and she sprang to her feet again. "Senor, the way is open for you. I open it. No one shall harm you. You are a man of honour, and will at least remember that——"
She stopped.
I felt vastly embarrassed; but, reflecting how much my liberty at that moment might mean to Sarita, I turned towards the door to see if I was really to get away.
"Stay," cried Quesada, hesitating in his fear of what I might do.
"You are free to go, senor," said the sister.
"I shall always remember to whom I owe my liberty; and unless I am driven to act, by steps which your brother has threatened, the recollection will guide my own attitude."
"No, you shall not go," cried Quesada again, this time angrily and decidedly.
"Sebastian, if you dare to thwart me in this, I will go straight to the Palace and say what—you know I can say."
"You are ruining us, Dolores."
Her reply was worthy of her brother for its directness. She went to the door, and called in the police official.