Suspicion is enough. Now, then, you
can guess why I am here. I am not without influence; I can save
Rosa, but for you, Esteban, I fear I can do nothing. You must look
out for yourself. Well? What do you say? We're wasting precious
time standing here with our mouths open."
When Esteban saw how pale his sister had grown, he took her in his
arms, saying, gently: "I'm sorry, dear. It's all my fault." Then
to the merchant, "It was very good of you to warn us."
"Ha!" Don Mario fanned himself. "I'm glad you appreciate my
efforts. It's a good thing to have the right kind of a friend.
I'll marry Rosa within an hour, and I fancy my name will be a
sufficient shield--"
Rosa turned to her elderly suitor and made a deep courtesy. "I am
unworthy of the honor," said she. "You see, I--I do not love you,
Don Mario."
"Love!" exploded the visitor. "God bless you! What has love to do
with the matter? Esteban will have to ride for his life in ten
minutes and your property will be seized. So you had better make
yourself ready to go with me." But Rosa shook her head.
"Eh? What ails you? What do you expect to do?"
"I shall go with Esteban," said the girl.
This calm announcement seemed to stupefy De Castano. He sat down
heavily in the nearest chair, and with his wet handkerchief poised
in one pudgy hand he stared fixedly at the speaker.
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