"You have it?" she said, with undisguised delight.
"Here it is," he answered, as he took a paper from his pocketbook, and handed it to her.
She opened it at once, and eagerly perused it.
"Oh now," she continued, "Doña Anita is free, and I will——"
"One moment, madam," he interrupted her, "have you carefully read the order I had the honour of giving you?"
"Yes, sir."
"In that case be kind enough to allow the young ladies to put on secular clothing, and, as their departure must be kept secret, allow my carriage to enter the front courtyard. I fancied I saw ill-looking fellows prowling about the neighbourhood, who looked to me like spies."
"What must I say, though, to the young lady's guardian? I am going to see him today."
"I am aware of that, madam. Gain time; tell him that his ward is ill; that you have succeeded in gaining her consent to the projected marriage, but, on the condition that it be deferred for eight and forty hours. It is a falsehood I am suggesting to you, madam, but it is necessary, and I feel convinced that heaven will pardon it."
"Oh, do not be anxious about that, señor. I will gladly take on myself the responsibility of this falsehood; Doña Anita's guardian will not dare to oppose so short a delay, however well inclined he may be to do so: but in forty-eight hours?"