"Ramon
should be able to effect peace, no matter what happens."
"Ah, I am not so sure that there will be a marriage between
Gertrudis and him. Young ladies are most uncertain when allowed
the slightest liberty."
"Is she growing rebellious?" Cortlandt inquired. "If I were you,
then, I wouldn't force her. A loveless marriage is a tragic
thing."
His wife nodded her agreement.
"Not exactly rebellious. She would do whatever I asked regardless
of her own feelings, for that is the way we Spaniards bring up our
daughters, but--she is cold to Ramon, and he, I believe, is
suspicious of my intentions toward his father. Therefore, the
situation is strained. It is very hard to know what is right in a
case of this sort. The young are impressionable and reckless.
Often what seems to them distasteful is in reality a blessing. It
is not every love-match that turns out so happily as yours, my
dear friends. Well, I suppose I am weak. With Gertrudis I cannot
be severe; but unless it becomes necessary to make conditions with
my old friend Alfarez, I should prefer to let the girl have her
own way."
As Cortlandt escorted his caller to the door, the Panamanian
paused and said, with genuine solicitude:
"You look badly, sir. I am afraid you work too hard.
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