I do not believe these stories people tell, for
you probably have enemies. Even if all they say were true I should
force myself to be lenient because of your affection for my
husband."
The man rose, still smiling. "It is I who have been lenient," said
he.
"Eh? Speak plainly."
"Gladly. I have long suspected that Don Esteban hid the deeds of
his property with the rest of his valuables, and now that you
admit--"
Dona Isabel recoiled sharply. "Admit! Are you mad? Deeds! What are
you talking about?" Her eyes met his bravely enough, but she could
feel her lips trembling loosely.
Casting aside all pretense, the overseer exclaimed: "Por el amor
de Dios! An end to this! I know why you sent for me. You think I
have been robbing you. Well, to be honest, so I have. Why should I
toil as I do while you and those twins live here in luxury and
idleness, squandering money to which you have no right?"
"Have I lost my reason?" gasped the widow. "No right?"
"At least no better right than I. Don't you understand? You have
no title to those plantations! They are mine, for I have paid the
taxes out of my own pockets now these many years."
"Taxes! What do you mean?"
"I paid them. The receipts are in my name."
"God! Such perfidy! And you who knew him!"
"The deeds have been lost for so long that the property would have
reverted to the crown had it not been for me.
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