"Bar that door! they sha'n't; they must not!" called Bryton, but it was too late. The side door opened, and the three appeared—the two girls plainly frightened, but Mrs. Bryton beautifully audacious.
"Nonsense! Doña Teresa will not scold; we will stop only a minute. Your uncle and cousin are here—it is all right!" Then she saw Bryton, and laughed.
"I told you I would at least see inside," she observed, "and it is quite worth while. What a magnificent chest!"
Bryton walked directly to her.
"I will see you to your carriage," he said, laying his hand on her arm. "What the devil did you mean by this bravado?"
She wrenched her arm free and regarded him coolly.
"Thanks. I came because I said I would come, and you said not to dare. 'Dare' is a risky word, amigo. We will go directly. We are going to the hills, and only halted to wish good luck to Rafael."
"Malediction!" muttered Don Antonio. "He can't be seen—he—"
A burst of laughter came from the dining-room, and the two girls retreated toward the door.
"Women!" breathed Dolores; "if Doña Teresa hears this—"