"Very little; he announced to me your visit, adding, that no doubt you would have important news to communicate to me; so I was anxious to see you. In the position in which my daughter and I are, everything is matter for hope."
"I have indeed, Madame, important news to announce to you, but I do not know how to do so."
"How so?" cried Doña Eva, fixing on him her large eyes, with an undefinable expression; "Do you fear to afflict us, Señor Don Emile?"
"I fear, on the contrary, Señora, to raise in your heart a hope which may not be realised."
"What do you mean? Speak, Señor, in the name of heaven," quickly interrupted the marchioness.
"This morning, Madame, several strangers entered Casa-Frama."
"I know it, caballero. It is to that circumstance that I owe not having near me the bodyguard of a cornet that it has been thought I ought to have—that is to say, the sister of Don Pablo Pincheyra."
"Do you know these strangers, Madame?"
"Your question surprises me, caballero. Since my arrival here, you know that I have scarcely been permitted to take a few steps out of this miserable place."
"Excuse me, Madame; I will put my question more definitely. Have you heard speak of a certain Don Sebastiao Vianna?"