She herself descended the winding stairs with the light, and signed to Don Clemente that she wished to speak to him, casting a significant glance in the direction of the man standing behind him.

Don Clemente turned, and requested him to wait outside under the acacias.

Then, having ascended a few steps at the lady's silent invitation, he stopped to listen to what she had to tell him.
She spoke hastily of her three guests, particularly of the Abbe Marinier, saying she was much annoyed on account of her husband, who had such faith in this cherished idea of a Catholic association, and who would now find himself confronted with an unexpected opposition.

She wished Don Clemente to know this that he might be prepared.

She herself had come to explain to him, because her husband could not leave his guests at that moment.