Ruy Gomez was one of the greatest personages in Spain; he was the majorduomo of the palace, and had almost unlimited authority.

But the officer had his orders directly from the King and felt bound to carry them out to the letter.
"His Majesty has directed me to convey Don Diego de Mendoza to the west tower without delay," he said.

"I beg your Excellency to let us proceed." Ruy Gomez still held him by the shoulder with a gentle pressure.
"That I will not," he said firmly; "and if you are blamed for being slow in the execution of your duty, say that Ruy Gomez de Silva hindered you, and fear nothing.

It is not right that father and daughter should part as these two are parting." "I have nothing to say to my daughter," said Mendoza harshly; but the words seemed to hurt him.
"Don Diego," answered Ruy Gomez, "the deed of which you have accused yourself is as much worse than anything your child has done as hatred is worse than love.

By the right of mere humanity I take upon myself to say that you shall be left here a while with your daughter, that you may take leave of one another." He turned to the officer.