The count's face grew suddenly serene.
"Let him come in," he said: "'tis a friend."
The lieutenant withdrew. So soon as he was alone the count recommenced his walk.
"What can this man want of me?" he muttered. "When I asked his friend and himself to accompany me here they both refused. What reason can have caused such a sudden change in their plans? Bah! What is the use of addling one's brains?" he added, on hearing a horse's footfall re-echoing in the inner patio. "I shall soon know."
Almost immediately Don Louis appeared, led by the lieutenant, who, on a sign from the count, at once disappeared.
"What happy accident," the count said graciously, "procures me the honour of a visit I was so far from expecting?"
Don Louis politely returned the salutation, and replied,
"It is no happy accident that brings me. God grant that I may not be the harbinger of misfortune!"
These words made the count frown.
"What do you mean, señor?" he asked in anxiety. "I do not understand you."