"Thanks, Melchior," Doña Emilia said, as she offered him her hand. "Thank you for coming; however terrible my situation may be, your presence here is an immense consolation."
"Have you come to deliver us, Melchior?" the maiden continued.
"Yes," he answered simply, "such is my object; and believe me, señorita, all that a man can do, I will."
"What," Doña Emilia asked, "are you alone?"
"Alas, yes; but what matter?" Doña Diana fell back on her bed.
"Flight is impossible," she murmured with despair.
"Why so?" the young man continued boldly, "Have I not contrived to get in here alone?"
She shook her head sadly.
"Yes," she said; "but you were alone."
Don Melchior sighed, for he understood the meaning of the remark.