She spoke, without hesitation, in a gentle voice.
"Dolores! Are you there ?" she asked.
A moment later she felt a small hand on her arm.
"Who is it ?" asked a whisper, which might have come from Dolores' lips for all Dona Ana could tell.
She had forgotten the existence of Inez, whom she had rarely seen, and never noticed, though she knew that Mendoza had a blind daughter.
"It is I--the Princess of Eboli," she answered in the same gentle tone.
"Hush! Whisper to me." "Your father has gone back to his duty, my dear--you need not be afraid." "Yes, but Eudaldo is outside--he hears everything when he is not asleep.
What is it, Princess?
Why are you here ?" "I wish to talk with you a little," replied Dona Ana, whispering now, to please the girl.

"Can we not get a light?
Why did you put out the lamp?
I thought you were in another room." "I was frightened.

I did not know who you were.

We can talk in the dark, if you do not mind.

I will lead you to a chair.