No, one must obey one's people, for they are wise--and
good. But one should be honest."
The tears were stealing down her cheeks, and she thrilled to his
pleadings as to some wondrous music, yet she was like adamant, and
all his lover's desperation could not shake her. It was strange to
see this slender, timid slip of a girl so melting and yet so
cruelly firm. He appealed to Stephanie, but she was as
unresponsive as a bronze image. Seeing that his urging only made
matters worse, he said, more gently:
"You are exalted now with the spirit of self-sacrifice, but later
you will see that I am right. I am not discouraged. A thousand
things may happen. Who knows what to-morrow may bring? Let's wait
and see if we can't find a way out. Now that I know you love me, I
have the courage to face anything, and I am going to win you,
Chiquita. I have never lost in all my life, and I don't intend to
begin now. I'll see your father in the morning, and I'll be here
again, to-morrow night--"
But at this Gertrudis cried out: "No, no! I cannot meet you again
in this manner." And Stephanie nodded her agreement.
"Then I'll see you the next night, that is Saturday. You are
coming to the big ball at the Tivoli with him and the Cortlandts--
I must see you then, so make sure to be there, and meanwhile don't
give up.
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