“Nay, Señora, you are mistaken; here is its key in my hand. I pray you do not tell your lady to put me out, which, being so strong, she well can do, for I have words to say to you, and if you are wise you will listen to them.”

Margaret thought a moment, then answered:

“Say on, and be brief.”

CHAPTER XVI.
BETTY SHOWS HER TEETH.

“Señora,” said Inez, “you think that you have something against me.”

“No,” answered Margaret, “you are—what you are; why should I blame you?”

“Well, against the Señor Brome then?”

“Perhaps, but that is between me and him. I will not discuss it with you.”

“Señora,” went on Inez, with a slow smile, “we are both innocent of what you thought you saw.”

“Indeed; then who is guilty?”