"The senorita is well, Carlos?"
"Quite well, Senor Rubio, and in her rooms."
"No visitors, I suppose?" was asked, casually.
"Yes, senor; Colonel Livenza, from his Excellency, has been here."
"Been here?" I cried, in surprise. "Tell us, quickly, what you mean?"
"He came with a letter from his Excellency, to see the senorita. He brought some urgent news, he said, and he was with her about half an hour, and then left."
"How long ago was that?"
"He has been gone maybe an hour, or perhaps less."
"Quick work," muttered Rubio. "Show the senor here to the senorita's rooms," he added, to the man. "Shall I go with you, senor?"
"No, wait, please," I answered, following the man upstairs, my heart beating quickly at the thought of seeing Sarita again. He went up to the floor above, the rooms of which were shut off from the staircase by a door which I saw had been recently placed there. This he unlocked and stood aside for me to pass.