"What answer will you give to this strange letter, father?" Don Ruiz asked, anxiously.
Don Hernando drew himself up proudly.
"My son," he replied, "however poor I may be, I do not the less remain the Marquis de Moguer, the only thing, perhaps, which cannot be taken from me. I know the obligations I owe to the honour of my name. Your sister is free to accept or reject the offer made her. I do not wish, under any pretext, to influence her determination in so serious a matter. She is young, and has still many years to live; I have no right to enchain her existence with that of a man she does not love. She will reflect, and follow the impulse of her own heart. Whatever her resolution may be, I approve of it beforehand."
"Thanks, father," the maiden answered, gently. "And now grant me a last favour."
"What is it, my child?"
"I wish for a week before answering this request, for I am so surprised and confused, that it would be impossible for me to form any resolution at present."
"Very good, my child; in eight days you will give me your answer. And now withdraw: but do you remain, Paredes; before leaving the hacienda for ever, I wish to make some arrangements in which your help will be necessary."
Brother and sister, after bowing respectfully to their father, slowly quitted this fatal chamber, which persons never entered save through a misfortune.