He was standing with a very sheepish, hang-dog expression on his face, and when she looked at him, I saw him fight to restrain the deep feelings which seemed to be tearing at his very heart during the few moments he was fighting down his passion. He looked at me with a light of hate in his eyes, crossed to the door, and threw it open. "If I have made a mistake I regret it," he said, sullenly. "Senor Carbonnell will give his word of honour, I know, not to speak of anything that has happened here to-night," said the girl. "Willingly. I pledge my word," I assented, directly. "Then we will go. Our carriage is waiting; will you let us take you to your hotel?" And without any further words we left the room and the house, Sarita insisting that I should lead Madame Chansette while she followed alone, having refused the Colonel’s escort. *CHAPTER IV* *SARITA CASTELAR* The rapid kaleidoscopic change in the situation, and the surprising means by which it had all been brought about, were so profoundly astonishing that for a time I was at a loss for words to thank the wonderful girl who had come to my rescue. The palpitating actuality of imminent danger; the vehemence of Corpola’s wild, fanatical passion; the tension as I stood in the dark room waiting for the moment to strike; the exertions of the two desperate struggles which followed, and then the sudden transition to the perfect assurance of safety which followed the intervention of Sarita Castelar, were succeeded by some minutes of reaction. I could not instantly reconcile myself to a return to the atmosphere of every-day commonplace. The mere utterance of an ordinary formula of thanks seemed so inadequate to the occasion that I sat still and silent as we dashed through the now nearly-deserted streets, thinking over the whole mystery and wondering what could possibly be the clue. Before I had collected my wits the carriage drew up with a jerk at the hotel. "I have not thanked you," I said, feebly. "You can do that another time if you think thanks are necessary. We shall be at home to-morrow afternoon. There is much to explain. Will you come then? 28, in the Plaza del Nuovo. But you know where we live." "Yes, come, Senor Carbonnell," said Madame Chansette, "I am anxious to speak with you—most anxious." "My dear aunt is in sore need of diplomatic advice to control her turbulent niece," said Sarita, laughing. "We shall expect you, mind." "I shall certainly come," I answered, eagerly. "But I want——" "No, no, not to-night. Everything to-morrow. Good-night;" and she held out her hand and dismissed me.