‘This,’ said Concha, folding the newspaper, ‘is a Carlist and revolutionary rag whose readers are scarcely likely to be interested for a good motive in the movements of the Queen Regent.’
‘True, my dear Padre—true,’ admitted Vincente, half reluctantly.
‘Many kiss hands they would fain see chopped off. In the streets and on the Plaza I have seen many reading this newspaper and talking over it with unusual interest. Like a bad lawyer, I am giving the confirmation of the argument before the argument itself.’
‘No matter—no matter.’
‘Ah! but we have no time to do things ill or carelessly,’ said the priest. ‘My story is a long one, but I will tell it as quickly as I can.’
‘Take your time,’ urged the General soothingly. ‘This great plot, you say, which is to spread over all Spain—’
‘Is for to-morrow night, my friend.’
CHAPTER XXV
SWORDCRAFT
‘Rien n’est plus courageux qu’un cœur patient, rien n’est plus sûr de soi qu’un ésprit doux.’
The General set down his glass, and a queer light came into his eyes, usually so smiling and pleasant.