The woman probably shook the old man to rouse him, for his voice came next, growling and angry.

“Witch!  Hag!  Mother of malefactors!  Let me alone—­I am asleep.  Are you trying to tear my sleeve off with your greasy claws?  Nobody is knocking; you probably hear the wine thumping in your ears!”

The woman, who was the drudge and had been cleaning the kitchen, was probably used to Eudaldo’s manner of expressing himself, for she only laughed.

“Wine makes men sleep, but it does not knock at doors,” she answered.  “Some one has knocked twice.  You had better go and open the door.”

A shuffling sound and a deep yawn announced that Eudaldo was getting out of his chair.  The two girls heard him moving towards the outer entrance.  Then they heard the woman go away, shutting the other door behind her, as soon as she was sure that Eudaldo was really awake.  Then Inez called him softly.

“Eudaldo?  Here—­it was I that knocked—­you must let me out, please—­come nearer.”

“Dona Inez?” asked the old man, standing still.

“Hush!” answered the girl.  “Come nearer.”  She waited, listening while he approached.  “Listen to me,” she continued.  “The General has locked me in, by mistake.  He did not know I was here when he bolted the door.  And I am hungry and thirsty and very cold, Eudaldo—­and you must let me out, and I will run to the Duchess Alvarez and stay with her little girl.  Indeed, Eudaldo, the General did not mean to lock me in, too.”

“He said nothing about your ladyship to me,” answered the servant doubtfully.  “But I do not know—­” he hesitated.

“Please, please, Eudaldo,” pleaded Inez, “I am so cold and lonely here—­”

“But Dona Dolores is there, too,” observed Eudaldo.

Dolores held her breath and steadied herself against the panel.

“He shut her into the inner sitting-room.  How could I dare to open the door!  You may go in and knock—­she will not answer you.”

“Is your ladyship sure that Dona Dolores is within?” asked Eudaldo, in a more yielding tone.

“Absolutely, perfectly sure!” answered Inez, with perfect truth.  “Oh, do please let me out.”

Slowly the old man drew the bolt, while Dolores’ heart stood still, and she prepared herself for the danger; for she knew well enough that the faithful old servant feared his master much more than he feared the devil and all evil spirits, and would prevent her from passing, even with force, if he recognized her.

“Thank you, Eudaldo—­thank you!” cried Inez, as the latch turned.  “And open the front door for me, please,” she said, putting her lips just where the panel was opening.