Seeing that the cousin hesitated in his reply, she went on, directing her words to Captain Tiago.
“Believe me, if they convict him, as is to be hoped, it will be through my cousin.”
“Señora, Señora!” protested Linares.
But she did not give him any time.
“Oh, what a diplomat you have turned out to be! But we all know that you are the adviser of the Governor General, that he could not live without you. Ah! What a pleasure to see you, Clarita.”
Maria Clara seemed paler than ever, although she was now quite recovered from her illness. Sadly smiling, she approached and greeted Doña Victorina with a formal kiss.
After the customary words had been exchanged, Doña went on with her false Andalusian.
“We came to visit you. You have been saved by the efforts of your friends,”—looking significantly at Linares.
“God has protected my father,” said the girl, in a low voice.
“Yes, Clarita, but the time for miracles has passed long ago. As we Spaniards say: ‘Have no trust in the Virgin and save yourself by running.’”