Luiza rose languidly, breathing a deep sigh; opening the door, she stumbled on the threshold against Juliana.
“Heavens! what a fright you gave me!” she exclaimed.
“I came to see if the ladies wanted a light.”
“No; put on your shawl to accompany the Senhora Leopoldina. Be quick!”
Juliana hurried away.
“When shall I see you again?” asked Luiza.
“As soon as possible,” Leopoldina said. She thought of going to Oporto in a few days to see her Aunt Figueiredo, and afterwards of spending a fortnight in Foz.
The door opened.
“When the senhora is ready,” said Juliana, in her harsh accents.
They embraced each other warmly, and Luiza said in a low voice to Leopoldina,—