‘There are matters of much political importance,’ he said, ‘in the air just now.’
‘A plot,’ continued Concha, ‘spreading over all Spain; the devil is surely in it, and I know the Carlists are. A plot, believe me, to assassinate and rob and kidnap.’
‘Yes,’ said the General with his tolerant little smile. ‘Yes, my dear Padre. Some men are so bloodthirsty; is it not so?’
‘This plot is directed against the little Queen; against the Queen Regent; against many who are notable Royalists occupying high posts in the Government or the army.’
He glanced at Estella, and then looked meaningly at the General, who could scarcely fail to comprehend. ‘Let us deal with the Queen and the Queen Regent,’ said Vincente; ‘the others are probably able to take care of themselves.’
‘None can guard himself against assassination.’
The General seemed for a moment inclined to dispute this statement, but shrugged his shoulders and finally passed it by.
‘The Queen,’ he said. ‘What of her?’
In response, Concha took a newspaper from his pocket and spread it out on the table. After a brief search up and down the ill-printed columns, he found the desired paragraph, and read aloud:
‘The Queen is in Madrid. The Queen Regent journeys from Seville to rejoin her daughter in the capital, prosecuting her journey by easy stages and accompanied by a small guard. Her Majesty sleeps at Ciudad Real to-night, and at Toledo to-morrow night.’