He looked down at her. "What, afraid for me? Let be, child; there's no need." "You run on your fate!" she insisted. He laughed impenitently. "I had liefer do that than run from it, sweetheart," he said. "What news for me?" Her face clouded. "Not as we had hoped, Señor Nicholas. The King puts off his removal to Valladolid, and we wait upon him. My uncle is in attendance till then, you see. But I think I could contrive a little." She looked up inquiringly. His eyes were warm with amusement. "Let me hear your plot, little contriver." "Then do not laugh at me--robber," she retaliated. "Don Miguel de Tobar is coming to town, and he is my uncle upon my mother's side, and I am very sure that he would like me for his son Miguel." She nodded wisely, and compressed her lips. "How she is sought after!" marvelled Sir Nicholas. "Surely it needs a robber to win her." A dimple quivered. "Maybe, señor. Now I think it would not suit my good aunt to have me throw myself upon Don Miguel's protection, for he has influence with the King, and he might well get an injunction to have me away from the Carvalhos. I think, Señor Nicholas, that if I were to talk roundabout a little they would be very glad to bear me away to Vasconosa, out of reach of Don Miguel. And there marry me, doubtless, but you will be at hand." "Be very sure of it. Weave your toils, fondling, but walk warily, for I misdoubt me that aunt of yours hath the seeing eye." Her eyes sparkled with mockery. "A word out of your own mouth, Señor Pirate--trust me." At his mother's side Don Diego learned with little surprise but considerable annoyance that she could not remember to have inquired for him. She seemed amused when she heard how he had been sent off. "The rogue!" she said, and chuckled. "This cousin of mine who will not think of espousals!" said Don Diego. "She is willing enough to have that French ruffler whisper honeywords in her ear. Mark you that!" "Of course she is," agreed Doña Beatrice. "I have no doubt he is very adroit. If you were more of his complexion, my son, you might make better speed with her." Don Diego made what speed he could next day, when he offered Dominica his hand and his heart, and spoke his piece in passionate terms. She saw her opportunity in this, and was quick to seize on it. Don Diego was bidden take both hand and heart elsewhere; he pressed his suit more ardently, dared to attempt a kiss. She whisked herself out of his hold, flew into a royal rage, and flounced away to find her aunt. Doña Beatrice was confronted by Flaming Indignation in a charming form, and blinked at it.