At the house of Don Roderigo Ponce de Leon he found all in a state of great anxiety. Vague rumours of a fierce fight that morning, in which the slaughter had been immense, were current among them. Some said that Liniers had arrived in the night, and had been completely defeated; others, that he had cut to pieces the entire English detachment sent to oppose him, and was now advancing upon the city; others, that the English had fallen upon the levies at Perdriel, and had massacred them. Many not belonging to the household were there, seeking information, or giving information upon which no reliance could be placed. Among them Doña Constancia wandered restlessly, listening to all, but believing nothing of what was said. The entrance of Evaña into the sala, booted and spurred, and flushed with his rapid gallop, caused a general cessation of talk. Taking out his pocket-book he drew from it the folded paper and handed it to Doña Constancia with a reassuring smile. "Gracias à Dios!" exclaimed she, as she read the few words written by Marcelino. "He has spared my son to me yet again." Her daughter Dolores, leaning on her shoulder, read the words with her; then throwing her arms round her mother's neck, and hiding her face in her bosom, she burst into tears. "Yes; thank God that Marcelino is safe," she murmured; "but why should they fight when they might be such good friends?" Evaña heard the low words, and a tender look came over his usually stern features as he gazed upon her; then turning away he gave Don Roderigo and the others a rapid account of what he had seen and heard that morning. As he spoke Doña Constancia came and stood beside her husband, resting her crossed hands upon his shoulder, while Dolores leaned upon her father with his right arm thrown round her. "Then Marcelino was not engaged with the cavalry?" said Don Roderigo. "No; he appears to have been in the quinta all the time. I believe they made some attempt to defend the place. Mr Gordon spoke very highly of the way he had behaved." "And the Señor Gordon intended to have brought this note himself?" said Doña Constancia. "Yes; and he seemed much disappointed that he was not able to do so." "You will find him for me, and will bring him here, Roderigo?" said Doña Constancia. "I will," said Don Roderigo, "We shall hear all the particulars from him. But have you no idea, Don Carlos, where Marcelino has gone to?" "No; but as their levies seem to be completely dispersed, he will probably wait at no great distance until we see what Liniers can do." "He will go and join Liniers now, and they will fight again," said Dolores. "God protect us!" said Doña Constancia. "Have we not already thought of this?"