“The señor has not come in,” replied Marina.
“He has remained to attend some sick person. So much the better; he would have prescribed for me a dose of physic, which I abhor.”
“You are very hoarse, señora.”
“Yes, ’tis true. I require care. I will remain at home to-day. If the duke calls, tell him I sleep. I do not wish to see anybody. My head is on fire.”
“And if some one presents himself at the door privately?”
“If it be Pepe Vera, you can let him come in: I have something to say to him.”
The servant left; but she returned immediately.
“Señora,” she said, “here is a letter which the señor, my master, has sent to you by Nicolas.”
“Go along with your letter; there is no light to read here, and I wish to sleep. What is it he says: ‘The path where duty calls him.’ What does this communication mean? Leave the letter on the round table, and go away at once.”
Marina a few moments after again entered.