The Tigrero took a side glance, full of despair, at his companion, whose face was still smiling.
"What would you require, madam," he continued, "in order to consent to give up this unhappy young lady to me?"
"Alas, señor, it is not I who refuse compliance. Heaven is my witness that it is my greatest desire to see her escape from her persecutor."
"I am thoroughly convinced of that, madam; that is why, feeling persuaded of your good feeling towards your charge, I ask you to tell me what authority you require in order to give her up to me."
"I cannot, señor, allow Doña Anita to quit this convent without a perfectly regular order, signed by Monseigneur the Archbishop of Mexico, who alone has the right to command here, and whom I am compelled to obey."
"And if I had that order, madam, all your scruples would be removed?"
"Yes, all, señor."
"You would have no further difficulty in allowing Doña Anita to depart?"
"I would deliver her to you at once, señor."
"Since that is the case, madam, I will ask you to do so, for I have brought you that order."