"I should be glad to think you forgave me," he said.
"I do forgive you," Juan answered. "You intended no evil."
"Will you, then, do me a great kindness? It is the last I shall ask. Tell me the names of any of the--the victims that have come to your knowledge."
"It is only through rumour one can hear these things. Not yet have I succeeded in discovering whether the name dearest to me is amongst them."
"Tell me--has rumour named in your hearing--Doña Maria de Xeres y Bohorques?"
Juan was still ignorant of the secret which Doña Inez had but recently confided to his betrothed. He therefore answered, without hesitation, though in a low, sad tone, "Yes; they say she is to die to-morrow."
Don Gonsalvo flung his hand across his face, and there was a great silence.
Which the awed and wondering Juan broke at last. Guessing at the truth, he said, "It may be I have done wrong to tell you."
"No; you have done right. I knew it ere you told me. It is well--for her."
"A brave word, bravely spoken."