"So much the better. Come back to us as soon as you can; for," said he significantly, "your return will please all of us here."
"¿Quién sabe?" (who knows?) muttered Don Torribio, with a sinister expression.
Doña Hermosa, who overheard these two words, could no longer master her fears.
While Don Pedro and his cousin were exchanging these words, the girl Whispered to Don Estevan:
"Brother, tomorrow, after mass, I want to speak to you at my nurse's."
"To me, or to my friend?" said Don Estevan softly.
"To both," she answered, with feverish agitation.
Don Estevan and Don Fernando now retired with joyful hearts. The latter was sure that Doña Hermosa had recognised him.
The other visitors also gradually departed, till Don Torribio de Quiroga was left alone with his host.
"Cousin," said he, in a low and broken voice, as he bent down to the lady to bid her farewell, "I am about to begin a journey in which I shall incur considerable danger. May I hope you will remember the traveller in your prayers?"