"What matters it what the mob says? You may be sure that the Viceroy has good reasons for what he does."
"Then why does he not bring him to trial? Why does he say that he does not know anything of the charges against him, and refer those who ask him to you?"
"I have given you my answer, and I request that you never mention the man's name to me again." So saying Don Roderigo rose from his chair and left the room.
As Don Roderigo left the room by one door Dolores entered it by another.
"What is to do?" said she. "Papa looked quite angry."
"There is this to do, my sister," said Marcelino; "that the cause of Spain is lost in America. There are many of us Creoles who would have gladly joined the Spaniards in raising up in America a new kingdom for King Ferdinand now that the French have taken his old one, but we demand equal rights and equal laws for all, and the best of the Spaniards will not yield that. There is one law for Spaniards and another law for Americans."
"What nonsense you talk, Marcelino. King Ferdinand will soon win back his own kingdom again."
"By the help of the English?" said Don Carlos.
"Yes, the English will help him. But what is it all about?" said Dolores. "Papa was angry."
"Marcelino wanted him to ask the Viceroy to pardon Don Alfonso Miranda, and to let him go," said Doña Constancia.