"No, it was waiting here in Madrid, though I brought out from London something that might have influenced it."
"That is very clear," she laughed.
"Sebastian Quesada has decided to make restitution of your fortune," I said looking for some sign of surprise. But she gave none, and after reflecting an instant said:
"You have seen him before coming here?"
"I went to him to try and force the act of restitution on the strength of some news I had learned, and he forestalled me by announcing his intention to make it."
"He is very shrewd; but how did he know that you had this news?"
"That occurred to me; but I don't see how he could have known it."
"You are no match for him, Ferdinand. But there is no merit in his act even if sincere. He did not say the matter was already completed and the papers executed, did he?"
"It will be made as soon as the formalities can be complied with."
She laughed again and shook her head sceptically.