"You know, then, who he is?"
"No matter what I know, brother; I only beg you to grant what I ask."
"Well, for your sake I will be silent."
"Oh! Thanks, thanks, brother!"
At this moment a sound of footsteps was heard in the adjoining room.
"What is to be done?" the maiden murmured.
Stronghand laid his finger on his lips, and, leading away his companion—who, through the thick cloak he wore, resembled a phantom rather than a man—disappeared behind a curtain. At the same instant a door opened, and two persons entered. They were Don Marcos and the senator. They had scarce exchanged the first compliments with Don Ruiz and Doña Marianna, when the Marquis entered the room.
"You are up at last, I am happy to see," he said, cheerfully. "¡Viva Dios! You were in a most deplorable state on your arrival; I am glad to see you so fully recovered."
"A thousand thanks, cousin, for your hospitality, of which we stood in great need."
"No more about that; I am the more pleased at the chance which has brought us together, Don Rufino, because I intended to write to you immediately."