"Perfectly, Señora. I have several times heard him called in my presence; besides, it would be quite impossible for me to invent a name that I have never before today heard pronounced."
"It is true; and yet what you tell me is so extraordinary, that I confess I do not dare to believe it, and that I fear a snare."
"Oh, my mother," cried Doña Eva, in a tone of reproach, "Don Sebastiao Vianna, the most loyal man, and the most—"
"Which assures you, my daughter," quickly interrupted the marchioness, "that this man is really Don Sebastiao."
"Oh, Madame," said the young man.
"Caballero Don Sebastiao was, scarcely two months ago, in Europe," answered the marchioness, in a peremptory tone.
This remark fell like a thunderbolt in the midst of the conversation, and suddenly chilled the hope in the heart of the young girl.
At the same moment a whistle sounded from without.
"Tyro warns me," said Emile, "that someone comes this way; I can stay no longer. Whatever happens, do not abandon yourself to despair, feign to accept, whatever they are, the propositions that will be made to you; anything is preferable to you than to remain longer here. I also will watch. I shall soon see you again—courage! Reckon on me."
And without waiting for the answer that the two ladies were doubtless preparing to make, the young man darted into the street.