She had gathered sufficient of Brazilian ways to understand that the man had been bribed to convey this request to her without attracting attention.
"Tell him to wait," she said, hoping to gain a moment wherein to decide how best to act.
"It is urgent, Senhora—ao mesmo tempo, the colonel said."
"Go! That is my answer."
The man's unwillingness to obey showed how imperative were his instructions. She rose, and the criado hurried out, satisfied that she would follow. But Iris had no wish to meet San Benavides. If she were seen with him in the dark patèo at this late hour, fuel would be added to the fire of Carmela's foolish spite. She was aware of Carmela's covert glance watching her from the other end of the long room. What was to be done? Why not send Carmela in her stead? They were almost of the same height, and dressed somewhat alike in flowered muslin. It would be an amusing mistake, though annoying, perhaps, to San Benavides; at any rate, Carmela would not object, and Iris was fully resolved not to keep the tryst in person.
She walked straight to her enemy.
"Colonel San Benavides awaits you in the patèo," she said in English.
"Awaits me!"
There was no mistaking the gleam in those jet-black eyes. The smoldering fire flamed into furnace heat at the implied indignity of such a mandate being delivered by Iris.
"I suppose so," said Iris carelessly. "A servant brought the message. He came to me in the first instance, but I am just going to my room to pack my few belongings. We leave here at daybreak, you know."