"He arrived three days ago."
"What reason could be so important as to bring him here?" said Don Tadeo, with an uneasy expression. "Oh, I will know!"
"Another thing: who do you think accompanies him?"
"The executioner, no doubt!" said Don Tadeo, with an ironical smile.
"Almost as bad," Don Gregorio replied.
"Whom do you mean, then?"
"The Linda!"
The chief of the Dark-Hearts turned deadly pale.
"Oh," he said, "that woman! for ever that woman! you must be mistaken, my friend; it is impossible!"
"I have seen her."