'Indeed I will, Carlo, for I am weary of being a prisoner,' she answered with a sigh; and Doña Elena, looking up, saw a strange look of pain and sadness pass over the girl's face.
Suddenly Etta sprang from the low couch on which she was sitting and put her finger on her lips.
'Carlo! Carlo!' she whispered, 'hide quickly! Catalina, help him--I hear steps. Make haste, prithee, make haste!'
Carlo listened, but heard nothing, only Etta's hand pushed him towards the cupboard door, and to please her he retreated. Poor much-tried Doña Elena turned pale, whilst Felipa drew near to her; for now all of them heard distinctly the steps. In two more minutes, after an impatient knock, the expected Frenchman entered, and his quick glances took in the party as he made a profound bow, and said:
'Good! the Señora and the Doña Elena Alvarez, the nurse and the English girl--that was as the Captain said. Good-evening, ladies. I suppose you have not heard that the young Señor Carlo has returned to the island, and that he is now secreted in the wood?'
'My nephew is not likely to keep in the woods when we are here,' said Doña Elena, with great presence of mind.
'That may or may not be; but Captain Morgan is coming back in a few days, Madame, and he sent word that you would all be ransomed or sold as slaves. The young Señor was especially to be well cared for if he landed here. And I fancy I have heard something of such an event.' Then he added: 'Perhaps that old Spanish woman could tell something about him if we were to ask her questions below.'
Doña Elena rose to her full height.
'You must first kill me before you touch our faithful Catalina. Leave my presence, Monsieur.'
'Well, well, don't be angry, Doña Elena: to-morrow is time enough. As for to-night, we will have a hunt with the dogs in the forest and see for ourselves. Good-night, ladies.'