I thought of how you
once returned my love."
"Miserable cur! I never stooped so low."
"You would have been mine but for that cursed Englishman who came
between us, and whom you preferred. What did you gain by listening to
him? He lured you from your home--"
"No more! The villain met with his deserts. He is dead--dead these
years--and with him all my old life. That is what brings me here.
Attend now, Benito Villegas, to what I say!"
"I am listening," he answered, cowering before her, and in a tone of
mingled fear and passion. It was evident this strange woman exercised
an extraordinary influence over him.
"Never again must you presume to recognise me--to address me,
anywhere. If you do, take care! I am a great lady now--the wife of an
English general. I have great influence, much power, and can do what I
please with such scum as you. I have been with my husband just now to
the Convent, the palace of the Governor, and I have but to ask to
obtain your immediate expulsion from the Rock. Do not anger or oppose
me, man, or beware!"
Benito looked at her with increasing awe.
"Obey my behests, on the other hand, and I will reward you. Ask any
favour! Money?"--she quickly took out a little purse and handed him a
ten-pound note--"here is an earnest of what I will give you.
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