"I make no excuses, my dear Maria. I need none. But you know the truth--that Yankee adventurer stands between you and me. He is of the common herd,--you and I of the bluest blood in Spain. Send him away, now--to-night, and I will do anything for you. I will postpone my journey to the King, at any sacrifice of displeasure. I'll send one of my men into the castle to find your brother." She turned scornfully toward him, her eyes flashing. "Yes--you will send one of your men--but you are not brave enough to go there yourself. Yet you ask me to send away this man, who of all of you is the only one willing to sacrifice his life for me?" Carlos snapped his tapering fingers angrily, as he clutched his sword-cane. His swarthy face was chalky under the stress of the emotion, as he replied savagely: "If he stays, I go!" "Very well; then, Carlos--you force me to make a choice. I choose a real man." Carlos caught her by the arm. "You are too interested in this worthless pretender, Maria! I love you myself, and with the keenness of love I have watched you follow him with your eyes, have seen the growing warmth in your voice--all through those days on the ocean, aboard the _Mauretania_. I warn you--royal princesses must aim higher than the common herd." "Go, Carlos Hernando! It is I who am the superior--I the one to abjure!" Jarvis was sauntering down the steps, and he was greeted by a confused look in the girl's eyes. Carlos took his hat and coat from the table. Maliciously he hoped that the American had been eavesdropping, for thus he might be encouraged to presumption--and the Duke was certain that of all women in the world the least susceptible to presumption was his haughty kinswoman. "Well, Maria, you are sending him to his death--and as for you, Mr. Ghost Breaker, I wish you success, when you beard the specter in his den!" With mock dignity at first, Jarvis's voice grew more menacing as he completed the words of retort: "Thanks, your Gracious Excellency!... I'll do my best to tie a can to the specter's tail--and the can will be loaded with fireworks!" As he left, Warren turned with a cheery grin, to face Maria. "We must start at once, Mr. Warren," she urged, "for any moment may be my brother's last." "Courage! If your brother is there, I'll find him. You must be patient and remain here, where you are safe,--try to rest up from that blood-curdling trip from Paris." "But, Mr. Warren, I cannot rest or even sit still until I know what has become of him. I shall go mad if I am left alone!" The womanly tears began to stream down her face. They melted a hitherto calm portion of Warren Jarvis' heart. "Now, my dear child," and he paused timidly, as though to learn whether or not the familiarity had offended her. Instead, she looked up through the long wet lashes with anything but an angry glance. "My dear child, I must insist on one condition." "What's that?"