"But he is gone, what can I do? If he has gone to join Liniers, if we fight I will make it my special work to save him for your sake."
Then Dolores sprang indignantly to her feet.
"I thought you were my friend, Don Carlos," she said. "He must not fight, they will shoot him, what can you do to save him in a battle? But you can stop him, I know you can."
"He is probably thirty leagues away by this time, how can I stop him?"
"I don't know, I don't know, but I know you can. How can I tell you what to do? Oh, Don Carlos! you are my friend, you said you were, do not be cruel to me. What matters Spain or the Junta if papa is killed?"
So saying Dolores fell on her knees at his feet, and seized his hand pressing her lips to it.
Don Carlos rose hurriedly from his chair, a thrill ran through his whole body at the touch of her lips, but she clung to him.
"Save papa for me," she said. "I know you can if you will. Save him for my sake."
Then Don Carlos bent over her and raised her to her feet.