DOLORES. You haven't given up hope, have you, Vardos?

VARDOS. I gave up hope when the Prince went into the castle. Tonight I
waited till an hour past sundown, and twice I called. Once a wail came
back to me. It sounded like a sigh of the damned. When I called the
second time, something moved in the turret of the keep, like a man
waving; and my heart leaped for joy. Then, with a harsh cry, a black,
ugly bird flew from the turret straight toward where the sun had set--on
my left, mind you, the sinister side, the left, the left! (_Castanets
heard off stage, left_.)

DOLORES. Oh, if her Highness were only here.

VARDOS. What can she do?

DOLORES. She would go straight to the castle, and will Segura have it
said that they let her go alone as they did the Prince?

VARDOS. God forbid it should come to that. (_Gives basket._) Good night,
Senorita. (_Start for door down_ R.)

DOLORES. Good night--(_Crosses_ C.)--Vardos. You will go again tomorrow
night?

VARDOS. Yes, Senorita, willingly, until I know it is useless. (_Off
stage voice: "Bravo, Senorita!"_) Good night! (_Off stage voice: "Bravo,
Senorita!" Laughing and clapping of hands. Exit_ C. VARDOS.)

(_Exit_ MAXIMO, GASPAR _and_ SPANIARD, _door_ R. DOLORES _lifts napkin
and looks into basket; crosses and exits_ D.R. Enter door L.C. ROBLEDO;
_stands, looks about insolently for a second_.)

ROBLEDO. Eh--hey, you, Pedro! (_Receiving no answer, he crosses to
table_ L.C., _bangs crop on table and shouts again_.) Hey, you, Pedro!
What's the matter here? Where are you? (_Enter_ PEDRO, _door_ R.
_Seeing_ ROBLEDO, _is immediately scared and anxious to please_.)

PEDRO. Oh, Senor Robledo!

ROBLEDO. Wake up! What's the matter with you?

PEDRO. One thousand pardons, Senor. What can I do for you?

ROBLEDO. My horse is outside; he has had a hard ride. Wash him off, and
don't give him any water until he is cool.

PEDRO. Yes, Senor, it shall be just as you say. (_Starting._)

ROBLEDO. And leave the saddle on. I may want to use him again.

PEDRO. Yes, Senor. Yes, Senor. (_Starts toward door_ C. ROBLEDO _halts
him_.)

ROBLEDO. Where is your daughter?

PEDRO. I will call her, Senor. (_He crosses to door_ R., _calling_.)
Dolores, Dolores! She will come, Senor. She will come. (_Cross to door_
L.C.)

ROBLEDO. And, Pedro----

PEDRO. Yes, Senor----

ROBLEDO. If that rat-infested larder of yours is empty, get it filled
before the Duke arrives.

PEDRO. The Duke coming her