"But it is just that which I want to discuss. I have obtained your release——" "Pardon me," I broke in, "but I cannot accept my release on any conditions whatever. I am profoundly indebted to you for this act of yours, deeply impressed by the motives which underlie it, and can never cease to think kindly of you for it; but, though you found me a prisoner in such vile surroundings, I am not without great influence even here in Madrid—far greater than your brother deems—and my liberation was at most but a matter of hours. I can therefore make no conditions even with one so gracious and so friendly as yourself." "You have maddened Sebastian against you by threatening him, but you will not think of such things." "I would do much to please you, I am sure you know that; but you ask me what is impossible," I answered, firmly. "There is no man in the world for whom I would have done this," she cried, impetuously. "And I had to strain to the utmost my influence with Sebastian to do it. The very fact that he ordered your arrest in defiance of his pledge to me shows how bitterly he feels. I was at the station this evening by the merest chance when you were brought there, and I could scarcely believe my own eyes when I saw you were under arrest. I went at once to Sebastian——" "Pray forgive me if I interrupt you, but I cannot discuss his conduct with you. If you saw the arrest, however, you will have seen that I was not alone in being arrested; and if you wish to do me a kindness you will use this great influence of yours to secure the liberation of Senorita Castelar." But at the mention of Sarita she drew herself up, and both anger and surprise, but chiefly anger, were in the look she gave me. "You ask me that?" she cried, and then as suddenly changed. "You do not think she is in any danger, surely?" she added. "I know that she was arrested, and you yourself saw the place where I was imprisoned, and can judge of the fitness of such a hole for a girl." "And you don’t know? She has never told you?" she cried, scornfully. "I am not sure I understand you," I replied. "She is to be my brother’s wife, senor. Do you think he would suffer her to be treated as—as you have been?" "Senorita, there is a great misunderstanding somewhere; but if anything is certain, it is that she will never be his wife." "Will you come and see Sebastian?" she asked, suddenly. "I am so anxious to have peace between you." "It could do no good." "I ask you to come. If you value what I have done here, you will consent." "It can do no good; but if you ask it I will go;" and the instant I had consented she led the way to her carriage, which was waiting outside the gate. "Where is Senorita Castelar?" I asked, as we drove rapidly along.