Since--since--you know, my
life!--since you came to our house he has kept away. But I heard my
uncle say that he had left the Rock to buy mules. He was going, I
believe, to Alicante. Did you see him there?"
"I saw many ruffians of his stamp, but I did not distinguish our
friend."
"You must never let him come near you, Stanislas. Remember what I say.
He is treacherous, truculent--a very fiend."
"If he comes across my path I will put my heel upon him like a toad.
But let us talk of something more pleasant--of you--of our future
life. Shall you like to live in England, and never see the sun?"
"You will be my sun, Stanislas."
"Then you will have to learn English."
"It will be easy enough if you teach me."
"Some day you will be a great lady--one of the greatest in London,
perhaps. You'll have a grand house, carriages, magnificent dresses,
diamonds--"
"I only want you," she said, as she nestled closer to his side.
It was sad that stern duty should put an end to these pretty love
passages, but the moment of separation arrived inexorably, and, after
a sad, passionate leave-taking, McKay tore himself away.
Mariquita for days was inconsolable. She brooded constantly in a
corner, weeping silent tears, utterly absorbed in her grief. They
considerately left her alone.
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