At this Brooke was struck dumb. He had nothing more to say.
"You will tell your friend," said Lopez, "to be ready at an early hour to-morrow morning. I also will do myself the honor, señor, to invite you to give us the pleasure of your company on this occasion."
Brooke bowed, and murmured something about the consciousness which he had of the honor that Lopez had done him; and in the midst of these commonplaces Lopez retired.
After his departure Brooke remained silent for a long time. Talbot feared the worst, and as she had divined already the meaning of this visit, she understood perfectly the feelings of Brooke. So she said not a word, but patiently waited until he chose to speak. At length he told her all.
"I thought so," said Talbot.
"What will you do?" asked Brooke, in a low voice.
"Nothing," said Talbot, simply.
"Nothing?" repeated Brooke. "What can I do?"
"Can you not do what he requests?" asked Brooke, in a trembling voice.
"What! and marry them?"