"Why--why did you do this, senor?" she protested, faintly. "It is
very hard for me."
"It is the last time I shall ever hold you--this way."
She faltered, her breath caught. "Please! My father is looking.
Ramon--"
"Have you agreed to marry him?"
"Yes! No no! Oh, I have prayed to the Virgin every hour. I cannot,
and yet I must. See! I cannot waltz, senor, I have s-stepped upon
you. Take me back to my seat."
For answer he pressed her closer to his breast, holding her up
without effort. The incense from her hair was robbing him of his
wits, his old wild desire to pick her up and carry her away swept
over him.
"Don't--esqueeze--me--so!" she exclaimed. "I cannot hold back--the
tears. I am so unhappy. If I could die quickly--now."
"Let us go out on the porch."
"No, no! We must remain in my father's sight. Will you take me to
my seat?"
"No, I want you to listen carefully to what I'm going to say." He
spoke low and earnestly. "Try to show nothing in your face, for
they are watching us." Seeing her more composed and attentive, he
went on:
"Don't stop dancing now, when I tell you. Chiquita dear, you must
marry me, to-night, right away! I have arranged everything. No,
don't look up at me until I have finished.
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