As we have already said, the count sprang up on hearing a rap at the door of his house.
"Who can come at this hour," he muttered. "I expect nobody."
And he went to the door and opened it. Three men entered, wrapped closely in their cloaks. The darkness in the room prevented Don Louis recognising their features, which were, besides, half hidden by the brims of their sombreros.
"Good evening, gentlemen," he said to them. "Who are you, and what would you with me?"
"Oh, oh!" one of the newcomers said with a laugh. "By Jupiter! That is a very dry reception."
Don Louis started at the sound of this voice, which he recognised at once.
"Valentine!" he exclaimed with emotion.
"By Jove!" the other said gaily, as he threw off his cloak, "I suppose you thought I was dead?"
"And do you not recognise me, Señor Don Louis?" the second person said, also throwing off his cloak.
"Don Cornelio, my friend, you are welcome."