But no place is more deserted than the more distant parts of a royal palace when there is a great assembly in the state apartments.

He met no one on his way, and entered his own door alone.

Ten minutes had not elapsed since the King had left the supper-room, and it was almost at that moment that Dona Ana met Mendoza.
Dolores started to her feet as she heard his step in the next room and then the key in the lock, and as he entered her hands clasped themselves round his neck, and her eyes looked into his.

He was very pale when he saw her at last, for the belief that she had been stolen away had grown with his speed, till it was an intolerable certainty.
"What is it?
What has happened ?" she cried anxiously.

"Why are you so white?
Are you ill ?" "I was frightened," he said simply.