" Holding the man away, she smiled
into his eyes. "Yes, richer than I have any right to be. I had no
need to come to Cuba; it was just the whim of an irresponsible,
spoiled young woman. I gave a huge amount of money to the New York
Junta and that's why I was allowed to come."
"You're not a--a trained nurse?"
"Oh, dear, no! Except when it amuses me to pretend."
"How strange!" The invalid was dazed, but after a moment he shook
his head. "It is hard to say this, but I don't know whether you
really love me or whether your great heart has been touched. You
have learned my feelings, and perhaps think in this way to make me
well. Is that it?"
"No, no! I'm thoroughly selfish and must have what I want. I want
you. So don't let's argue about it." Norine tenderly enfolded the
weak figure in her arms, "You must, you SHALL get well or--I shall
die, too."
"I haven't the strength to refuse," Esteban murmured. "And yet,
how can I leave Cuba? What right have I to accept happiness and
leave Rosa--"
This was a subject which Norine dreaded, a question to which she
knew no answer. She was not in a mood to discuss it, and made no
attempt to do so. Instead, she laid the invalid upon his pillow,
saying:
"Leslie is waiting to wish you joy and a quick recovery. May I ask
him in?"
She stepped to the door, only to behold her late companion making
off down the village street in great haste and evident excitement.
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