"What's wrong, little star? How have I offended you?"
"I wonder that you trouble to come here at all, Don Stanislas. It's
more than a week since I you."
"I have been so busy. My new duties: they have made me, you know--"
"Throw that bone to some other dog," interrupted Mariquita, abruptly.
"I am to be no longer deceived by your pretended duties. I know the
truth: you prefer some other girl."
"Mariquita!" protested McKay.
"I have heard all. Do not try to deny it. She is tall and fair; one of
your compatriots. You were seen together."
"Where, pray? Who has told you this nonsense?"
"At Waterport. Benito saw you."
McKay laughed merrily.
"I see it all. Why, you foolish, jealous Mariquita, that was my
general's wife--a great lady. I was attending and following her about
like a lackey. I would not dare to lift my eyes to her even if I
wished, which is certainly not the case."
Mariquita was beginning to relent. Her big eyes filled with tear, and
she said in a broken voice, as though this quarrel with her lover had
pained her greatly--
"Oh, oily-tongued! if only I could believe you!"
"Why, of course it's true. Surely you would not let that villain
Benito make mischief between us? But, there; time is too precious to
waste in silly squabbles. I can't stay long; I can't tell when I shall
come again.
Pages:
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90