"You seem to have done enough for to-day, a gallop would do you good. I want you to help me with my father as I helped you with Asneiros."
"You want him to set Don Alfonso at liberty. I tell you he will refuse."
"I hope not, it is a gross injustice."
"Then Don Roderigo is at the quinta?"
"Yes, and I had rather see him there than in the city. He will not like my interference, and may say things which I should be sorry if any but ourselves were to hear."
Two hours afterwards Don Roderigo was seated in his sala at the quinta, his face was flushed, as though something had angered him. Near him sat Don Carlos Evaña with a quiet smile playing upon his lips. Marcelino stood leaning against the window frame, evidently suffering bitterly from some disappointment. Doña Constancia entered the room, and seeing the sorrow in her son's face walked up to him.
"Do you know, Constancia, what has brought these two young men out here this evening?" said Don Roderigo.
"They have come to see us, I suppose," answered the lady. "Don Carlos has been quite a stranger lately."
"Not at all; they have come to ask me to set that traitor Miranda at liberty."