She had harboured a belief that all might be well on the coming home of her father. The last plank was shattered now. From the chair of the cabinet minister Don Ignacio Valverde would step direct into the cell of a prison! Nothing uncommon in the political history of Mexico--only one of its "cosas." On their feet they were now, and had come close to the door, which was held slightly open by Pepita. There they stood listening to what was going on outside. The sounds of revelry lately proceeding from the _sala grande_ were no more heard. Instead, calls and words of command in the courtyard, with a bustle of preparation. Through the trellis-work they could see a carriage with horses attached, distinguishable as their own. It was the same which had just brought Don Ignacio from the city. But the heads of the _frisones_ were turned outward, as if it was intended to take them back. Men on horseback were moving around it; soldiers, as could be seen by their armour gleaming in the moonlight. Those regarding their movements were not left long in suspense as to their meaning. One of the soldiers on foot, whose sleeve chevrons proclaimed him a corporal, stepped up into the corridor, and advancing along it, halted in front of their door. Seeing it open, with faces inside, he made a sort of military salute, in a gruff voice saying: "_Senoritas_! Carriage ready. I've orders to conduct you to it without delay." There was something offensive in the man's manner. He spoke with a thick tongue, and was evidently half intoxicated. But his air showed him in earnest. "You'll allow us a little time--to put on our cloaks?" The request came from the Condesa, who for a certain reason was wishful to retard their departure as long as might be possible. "_Carrai-i_!" drawled out the _cabo_, the same who had won the dagger from darling Perico. "I'd allow such beautiful _doncellas_ as you any time--all night--if 'twere only left to me. For myself, I'd far rather stick to these snug quarters, and the company of this pretty _muchacha_." At which, leaning forward, with a brutish leer, he attempted to snatch a kiss from Pepita. The girl shrunk back, but not till she had rebuked him with an angry retort and a slap across the cheek. It stung him to losing temper, and without further ceremony he said spitefully-- "Come, come, I'll have no more dilly-dallying: _nos vamos_!" There was no alternative but to obey; his attitude told them he would insist upon it, and instantly. Time for cloaking had been a pretence on their part. They were expecting the summons, and the wraps were close at hand. Flinging them around their shoulders, and drawing the hoods over their heads, they issued out upon the corridor, and turned along it--the soldier preceding, with the air of one who conducted criminals to execution.