CHAPTER XXV.
MARÍA EGYPTIACA DRESSES IN GREY AND DOES NOT WASH HER HANDS.
After calling on the doctor, who lived in the house opposite his own, and imploring him to go at once to Carabanchel, for which he lent him his carriage, Leon went home, fully determined to follow him thither as early as possible next morning. The house was silent and unlighted; every footstep echoed and every shadow seemed exaggerated. A sleepy man-servant opened the door, following him, half-nodding, to his room.
“You can go,” said his master. “I shall not go to bed to-night. Is your mistress gone to her room?”
“She was in the oratory till eleven—I will go and ascertain.”
“No, you need not ask. Who has been here this evening?”
“The Señora Marquesa de San Joselito, and Doña Perfecta.”
Leon repeated the names with dull indifference.
“And they went away when prayers were over.”
“Very well, you can go.”