Yet it was absolutely necessary that Dolores should be safely hidden within an hour, and that she should be got out of the palace before morning, and if possible conveyed to Villagarcia.

Don John saw in a moment that there was no one to whom he could turn.
Again he took Dolores' hand in his, but with a sort of gravity and protecting authority that had not been in his touch the first time.
Moreover, he did not kiss her fingers now, and he resolutely looked at the wall opposite him.

Then, in a low and quiet voice, he laid the situation before her, while she anxiously listened.
"You see," he said at last, "there is only one way left.

Dolores, do you altogether trust me ?" She started a little, and her fingers pressed his hand suddenly.
"Trust you?
Ah, with all my soul!" "Think well before you answer," he said.

"You do not quite understand--it is a little hard to put it clearly, but I must.