"We will receive him to the best of our ability."
"I wish you to do so."
"But Dolores cannot remain in Puebla."
"That is my opinion. I intend to go to her."
"Why could she not come to us?" doña Carmen said; "She would be in safety here, and her father should not want for a nurse."
"What you are saying, Carmen, is very judicious; perhaps it would be as well for her to live for some time with you. I will think over it; before all, I must see don Andrés, that I may convince myself of the state he is in, and whether he can be removed."
"Brother," doña María observed, "I notice that you have told us about Dolores and her father, but you have not said a word about don Melchior."
Don Jaime's face suddenly grew dark at this remark, and his features were contracted.
"Can any misfortune have happened to him?" doña María exclaimed.
"Would to Heaven it were so!" he replied with a sadness mingled with anger; "Never speak to me about that man—he is a monster."