"Reassure yourself, my friend. As these secrets concern you only, and as I have learned them without your authority, I will keep them in my own breast; I will even forget them if you wish it."
"But how does it happen—"
"Friend," interrupted Arnal, with melancholy, "although my life does not number many years, I have learnt many things; but enough of that— let that suffice you."
"Be it so. But one word. Do you favour my projects?"
"No!" answered he, sharply.
"No!" cried the young man, with amazement.
The two ladies had quietly approached. They listened, and grew pale. With a gesture, Arnal ordered the young girl to go away. Dove's Eye immediately obeyed, and withdrew out of the reach of his voice.
"No," Arnal said in a peremptory tone, which chilled his auditors. "I will not favour your projects. On the contrary, I will use all my power, and all the influence that my friendship gives me, to keep you near us, and that in your own interest."
"In our interest?" cried Emile.
"Certainly—in your interest, poor fool!" cried he, with vehemence; "These enemies, whom you suppose so far off, are here—are only a few paces from the spot on which we now are; they have followed on your track since your flight from San Miguel de Tucumán; you have everything to fear—not yourself, Don Emile, but the Marchioness de Castelmelhor and her daughter Doña Eva."