But why speak of it now when that cursed, dissolute marquis----" and he checked himself.
Inez looked at him.
"Father," she asked, "if I happen to be able to find you those hundred gold doubloons, would you do something for me ?" The priest's foxy face lit up.
"I wonder what there is that I would not do, my daughter!" "Even if it brought you into a quarrel with the marquis?
"Once I was a secretary to the Inquisition of Seville, he would have more reason to fear me than I him.

Aye, and fear me he should, who bear him no love," answered the priest with a snarl.
"Then listen, Father.

I have not made my confession yet; I have not told you, for instance, that I also hate this marquis, and with good cause--though perhaps you know that already.

But remember that if you betray me, you will never see those hundred gold doubloons, and some other holy priest will be appointed secretary at Seville.

Also worse things may happen to you." "Proceed, my daughter," he said unctuously; "are we not in the confessional--or near it ?" So she told him all the plot, trusting to the man's avarice and other matters to protect her, for Inez hated Fray Henriques bitterly, and knew him from the crown of his shaven head to the soles of his erring feet, as she had good cause to do.