I bowed and motioned to her to be seated, when suddenly she started and spoke.
'I asked to see Don Andres de Fonseca,' she said in a low quick voice.
'You are not he, senor.' 'Andres de Fonseca was buried to-day,' I answered.

'I was his assistant in his business and am his heir.

If I can serve you in any way I am at your disposal.' 'You are young--very young,' she murmured confusedly, 'and the matter is terrible and urgent.

How can I trust you ?' 'It is for you to judge, senora.' She thought a while, then drew off her cloak, displaying the robes of a nun.
'Listen,' she said.

'I must do many a penance for this night's work, and very hardly have I won leave to come hither upon an errand of mercy.