"And now," said Alicia, "I want to go home, to see if any important message has come. Then I'll take you home, dear. You can change your dress and we'll go get Manuel, so he'll invite us out to supper."
The carriage stopped before Alicia's door. Teodora, who had been on the balcony, hurried down. She had a letter in her hand.
"This came for you," said she.
"Who from?"
"From Señor Enrique."
"Enrique!" repeated Alicia, surprised. And she tore the envelope with feverish haste. She read:
"Come to my room, I beg you. I must see you to-day, without fail."
The only signature was "E. D."
Alicia seemed to ponder. She peered at her friend.
"Do you understand this?" asked she. "It's from Enrique Darlés. Remember him? A young chap—Manuel's friend."