"You will be much more surprised on hearing that my husband is coming here."
"He? Impossible, sister! He did not say a word to me about the journey."
"Because it is secret."
"Ah, ah!" the young man remarked, with a frown; "And are you sure that he is coming?"
"Certain. The person who writes me so was present at his departure, which no one suspects; the courier who brought me the news, and to whom the greatest diligence was recommended, is only a few hours ahead of him."
"This is, indeed, serious," the young man muttered.
"What is to be done?"
"S'death!" the young man replied, carelessly, but gazing fixedly at Doña Clara—"Welcome him."
"Oh!" the lady exclaimed, twisting her hands despairingly, "I have been betrayed—he is coming to avenge himself!"
"Avenge himself? For what, sister?"