Peace with honor, it seemed, was all that he desired.
"I was looking forward to an interesting ceremony this afternoon,"
Gomez went on. "Has your arrival changed the plans?"
"Oh no, sir!" O'Reilly said, quickly. "I'd like to make it doubly
interesting, if Miss Varona will consent to such short notice."
"Bravo! You have a way of doing the unexpected. Twin births, a
double wedding! Why not? The sight of a little happiness will be
good for all of us; we're apt to forget that life and the big
world are going on as usual. I don't think Miss Varona will have
it in her heart to refuse you anything."
The old soldier was right. Rosa did not gainsay her lover, and
toward sundown the city among the leaves witnessed an unaccustomed
scene.
The women of the camp, delighted at an opportunity of serving
Norine, had transformed Esteban's poor quarters into a tiny bower
of wild blossoms and green leaves; they likewise gathered flowers
for the two brides-to-be, then joined with nimble fingers in
adorning their costumes. When the girls came down the street, hand
in hand, they received an ovation from men and women alike. Norine
was pleased; she smiled and blushed and ran the gantlet bravely
enough. But Rosa, sadly overwrought by the day's excitement, was
upon the verge of a collapse. Nevertheless she was happy; her eyes
were shining, her face was transfigured, her hand, when she took
O'Reilly's, was cold and tremulous, but it warmed and grew steady
under his grasp.
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