Norine was
between tears and laughter when she ran panting into Esteban's
cabin, leaving Branch to wait outside.
At sight of her Esteban uttered a low cry of happiness. "Dearest!
I've been lying in a stupor of delight. The world has become
bright: I hear people laughing. What a change! And how is El
Demonio?"
"He's all right; he's waiting to see you, but first--I've arranged
everything! The President and his Cabinet are coming to witness
the ceremony."
Esteban poised, petrified, upon his elbow, his face was a study.
"What have you arranged?" he managed to inquire.
"'Sh--h!" Norine laid a finger upon his lips. "The guest of the
Republic is to be married to-day. Dignitaries, magistrates,
nabobs, are turning out in her honor. They are shaving and
borrowing clean shirts for the occasion. The Minister of Justice
has a brand-new pair of tan shoes and he has promised to wear
them, come rain or shine."
"NORINE! Oh, my dear--" quavered the sick man. "I can't let you do
this mad thing. Think! I'm ready for the grave--"
"This will make you well. We're going away when the very next
expedition arrives."
But still Varona protested. "No, no! Who am I? I have nothing to
offer, nothing to give. I'm poorer than a peon."
"Thank goodness, I can do all the giving! I've never told you,
Esteban, but I'm quite rich.
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