"It is not fitting that I should receive you thus alone at night, my father being absent from the house." And she made as though she would pass him and reach the door.
D'Aguilar, who stood in front of it, did not move, so perforce she stopped half way.
"I found that he was absent," he said courteously, "and that is why I venture to address you upon a matter of some importance.

Give me a few minutes of your time, therefore, I beseech you." Now, at once the thought entered Margaret's mind that he had some news of Peter to communicate to her--bad news perhaps.
"Be seated, and speak on, Senor," she said, sinking into a chair, while he too sat down, but still in front of the door.
"Senora," he said, "my business in this country is finished, and in a few days I sail hence for Spain." And he hesitated a moment.
"I trust that your voyage will be pleasant," said Margaret, not knowing what else to answer.
"I trust so also, Senora, since I have come to ask you if you will share it.

Listen, before you refuse.

To-day I saw your father, and begged your hand of him.

He would give me no answer, neither yea nor nay, saying that you were your own mistress, and that I must seek it from your lips." "My father said that ?" gasped Margaret, astonished, then bethought her that he might have had reasons for speaking so, and went on rapidly, "Well, it is short and simple.