As they stood there watching, Dolores saw them and, leaving Evaña, ran gaily towards them. Her father opened his arms to her, and kissing her fondly led her with him back to the sala, while Marcelino walked away and joined his friend under the trees. Passing his arm through his:
"Are you my brother?" he asked him.
"Most certainly I am," replied Evaña.
"And his son?"
"Never."
It was past midnight, most of the household lay asleep, but in one inner room lights were still burning, and the window and the door thrown wide open let in a constant draught of the cool night air, causing the lights to blaze unsteadily and filling the room with flickering shadows. Here four men sat at a small table talking together in low tones. On the table stood a tall glass jug half full of claret, and several goblets.
"I knew nothing of it," said Don Carlos Evaña.
"Where have you been all day that at this hour you come to learn what is old news to all the city?" said Colonel Lopez.
"I remained in my room all day, and saw no one till Marcelino came."