IX.
Chonita and Estenega faced each other among the Castilian roses of thegarden behind the Governor's house. The duena was nodding in a corner;the first-born of the Alvarados, screaming within, absorbed theattention of every member of the household, from the frantic youngmother to the practical nurse.
"My brother is to be arrested, you say?"
"Yes."
"And at your suggestion?"
"Yes."
"And he may die?"
"Possibly."
"Nothing would have been done if it had not been for you?"
"Nothing."
"God of my life! Mother of God! how I hate you!"
"It is war, then?"
"I would kill you if I were not a Catholic."
"I will make you forget that you are a Catholic."
"You have made me remember it to my bitterest sorrow. I hate you somortally that I cannot go to confession: I cannot forgive."
"I hope you will continue to hate for a time. Now listen to me. Youhave several reasons for hating me. My house is the enemy of yours.I am to all intents and purposes an American; you can consider meas such. I have that indifference for religious superstition andintolerance for religion's thraldom which all minds larger ofcircumference than a napkin-ring must come to in time. I haveendangered the life of your brother, and I have opposed and shalloppose him in his political aspirations; he has my unequivocalcontempt. Nevertheless, I tell you here that I should marry you werethere five hundred reasons for your hatred of me instead of a paltryfive. I shall take pleasure in demonstrating to you that there is aforce in the universe a good deal stronger than traditions, religion,or even family ties."
His eyes were not those of a lover; they shone like steel. His mouthwas forbidding. She drew back from him in terror, then struck herhands together passionately.
"I marry you!" she cried. "An Estenega! A renegade? May God cast meout of heaven if I do! There, I have sworn! I have sworn! Do you thinka Catholic would break that vow? I swear it by the Church,--and I putthe whole Church between us!"
"I told you just now that I would make you forget your Church." Hecaught her hand and held it firmly. "A last word," he said "Yourbrother's life is safe: I promise you that."
"Let me go!" she said. "Let me go! I fear you." She was trembling; hiswarmth and magnetism had sprung to her shoulder.
He gave her back her hand. "Go," he said: "so ends the first chapter."