She made a gesture that seemed to say she was resolved to tell him everything.
“Raphael Menandez is my lover,” came softly from her lips. “He is very handsome, but he is a revolutionist, and he was for giving up Cuba. He was accused of inciting the people to revolt. The queen issued an order for his arrest and imprisonment; but he heard of it—he was informed by friends—and he fled from the country. Since then Señor Villasca has sought to take his place.”
Frank was relieved to learn that this girl had a lover. A romance interested him, and Señorita Zuera had a romance. He realized that he had not even asked her to sit down, and he did so without delay, but she declined, saying she could not stop.
“Villasca is furiously jealous,” she declared. “He followed me here. At this minute he may be watching in the square below.”
She approached the window, and peered forth cautiously. After some moments she exclaimed:
“Yes, señor—there he is—there by the fountain! I knew he had followed me. Still I do not think he saw me enter the hotel.”
“The rascal!” exclaimed Frank, hotly. “Can it be that he meditates doing you some harm? If I thought he did——”
“No, no—not that! He will not harm me, for he knows I carry a dagger, and I would not hesitate to strike. It is you, señor—he will try to kill you! You are an American, and Antonio Villasca would find a way to escape justice. He would be shielded. You must leave Madrid!”
“I told you! I told you!” broke in Professor Scotch. “We will leave Madrid this very night, señorita.”
“If you leave Madrid to-night, you will go alone,” came quietly from Frank’s lips. “I do not fancy running away like a frightened hare. I have decided to remain in this city as long as I am permitted to stay here by the government.”