The king was deeply incensed at the mysterious absence of Calderon, for which a thousand ingenious conjectures were invented.

The Duke of Lerma, infirm and enfeebled by years, was unable to confront his foes.

With imbecile despair he called on the name of Calderon; and, when no trace of that powerful ally could be discovered, he forbore even to seek an interview with the king.
Suddenly the storm broke.

One evening Lerma received the royal order to surrender his posts, and to quit the court by daybreak.

It was in this very hour that the door of Lerma's chamber opened, and Roderigo Calderon stood before him.