"
"And his wish is sacred to you, eh?" Cueto nodded his approval,
although his smile was disconcerting. "An admirable sentiment! It
does you honor! But speaking on this subject, I am reminded of
that dispute with Jose Oroz over the boundary to La Joya. He is a
rascal, that Oroz; he would steal the sap out of your standing
cane if he could. I have promised to show him the original deed to
La Joya and to furnish him with the proofs about the boundary
line. That would be better than a lawsuit, wouldn't it?"
"Decidedly! But--I will settle with him myself."
Cueto lifted an admonitory hand, his face alight with the faintest
glimmer of ironic mirth. "I couldn't trust you to the mercies of
that rascal," he said, piously. "No, I shall go on as I am, even
at a sacrifice to myself. I love Don Esteban's children as my very
own; and you, senora--"
Isabel knew that she must win a complete victory at once or accept
irretrievable defeat,
"Never!" she interrupted, with a tone of finality. "I can't accept
your sacrifice. I am not worthy. Kindly arrange to turn over your
books of account at once. I shall make you as handsome a present
as my circumstances will permit in recognition of your long and
faithful service."
Then Pancho Cueto did an unexpected thing: he laughed shortly and
shook his head.
Dona Isabel was ready to faint and her voice quavered as she went
on: "Understand me, we part the best of friends despite all I have
heard against you.
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