"You swear it?"
"I do."
"Well, whatever may happen, I desire that if you meet the Captain of Dragoons who was here this morning, you will grant him your protection."
The young man sprung up, as if stung by a viper.
"Ah, then," he shrieked, "what I was told was true, then?"
"I do not know what you are alluding to, but I repeat my request."
"I do not know the man, since I did not arrive until after his departure."
"Yes, you know him," she continued, boldly. "Why seek a subterfuge, if you wish to break the promise you made me? It would be better to be frank."
"It is well," he replied, in a gloomy voice and a tone of biting irony; "reassure yourself Carmela, I will defend your lover."
And he rushed madly from the venta.