"You are wounded!"
"It is nothing—a mere scratch. How delighted I am to see your dear face once more, my Dolores."
Eulalia put out her hand timidly under the shelter of her fan, and touched Philip gently on the hand. She was unable to do more, as Doña Serafina, severe, and vigilant, was present. Their engagement had not yet been made public.
"Querido," she murmured, looking at her lover tenderly. "Constantly have I prayed for thee."
Philip kissed her hand, and then that of Doña Serafina, to avert suspicion. The old lady was voluble, and after the first greetings were over, burst forth into speech with much dramatic gesture.
"Alas, señores! How sad look you all. Don Pedro! Pobrecito! And the city is in the hands of the rebels. Ay di mi! Ah, the evil ones! Yet, if they win on land, they lose at sea."
"What is it you say, Señora?" asked Tim, ever on the alert for news.
"Have you not heard, Señor Correspoñsal? No; you have been away. Gracios á Dios! The torpederas have captured The Columbus."
"Bravo!" cried Jack, delightedly; "this is indeed good news! And Rafael?"
"Rafael is here," said that young man, hastily entering the court. "Ah, my dear friends, how delighted I am to behold you."