"When I am gone, Ana"—Raquel looked searchingly at Ana and repeated the words solemnly—"when I am gone, promise that you will go to the Señor Silencio. Say to him—"
"But how am I to get there, sweet? I should have to wear my waist that I keep for the saints' days. I—"
"Get there? Do you suppose if you asked me I would not find a way? My uncle Escobeda will be gone. Remember he will be gone, Ana! There will be no one to watch you, and you talk of clothes! You will not wear them out in one afternoon, and when I am Señora"—Raquel halted in her voluble speech and blushed crimson—"he, my uncle, would be glad to have you go and say that he has taken me away. Nothing would please him better. Now, promise me that when I am gone you will go to the Señor Silencio, and tell him where he has taken me. Tell him that I accept his offer. Tell him that if he loves me, he will find a way to save me. Tell him that I sent him a note by that pretty Agueda from San Isidro—"
"You should not speak to such as she—"
"She seemed sweet and good. She carried my note, Ana. I must always be her friend. Tell him—"
A loud thud upon the door.
Escobeda had stolen up softly, and was chuckling to himself outside in the passage.
"Ana has my permission to go and tell him all about how you love him, Muchacha. That will make it even more pleasant for me. I thank you for helping me carry out my plans, but for the present, Ana had better pack your things, and quickly. The sun is getting over to the west, and you must start within two hours' time."
Raquel threw her arms round Ana and strained her to her childish breast.
"You will go, dear Ana, you promise me, do you not? You will go?"