"Well, Sirrah!" cried Don Lope, "what means this intrusion?—Do you still stick to the wise determination of quitting my service? Are you willing to comply with the conditions?"
"No, Señor," answered Roque, with conscious importance; "I come loaded with fresh proofs of my inclination to serve you."
"Upon my honor," exclaimed Gomez Arias, "thou art marvellously complaisant, friend—thou hast seen the duenna, I suppose?"
"Yes, Sir, and I have seen some one else, besides."
"Let us hear first of the duenna."
"We must go to night—her master is engaged with a guest from Granada. I saw them leave the house myself."
Gomez Arias lost no time in preparing for the interview; and as night was now coming on, he girded on his sword, and, flinging his cloak carelessly round him, sallied out accompanied by his valet, on his nocturnal expedition.
"Art thou sure, good Roque," he demanded, "that you really saw the old gentleman leave his mansion?"
"Quite sure, Don Lope—my eyes seldom deceive me; indeed I feel perfectly satisfied with their capability. Never was there a more trusty pair, in descrying afar off a father, or brother, or any other kind of unwelcome intruder upon moonlight meetings. Argus, they say, had a hundred eyes, and yet was found at fault, whereas I have only two and——"
"They are sometimes as watchful," interrupted Don Lope.