Then--
"Mother of God!" the banker ejaculated, hoarsely, and sank into
the seat from which he had arisen. Ramon was staring from one to
the other, his head turning jerkily.
The girl raised her face proudly. "Yes! I am his wife, although I
had not expected to tell you so soon; therefore, you see I must go
to him quickly, or he will think I believe these lies."
"You are mad! Do you know what you are saying?"
"Oh yes. The judge from Colon married us during the dance. I would
have liked a church wedding; but that will come later. The Senor
Ronnels and his wife were there also, and they will tell you. It
made me very happy. You see, I prayed the Virgin that I might be
happy, and she heard. Oh, I offered so many prayers, and all last
night I lay awake giving thanks for my great happiness, which even
yet I cannot believe." Her face was transfigured by a look that
left the two men no choice but to believe.
"A civil marriage!" stammered Ramen.
"A civil marriage, indeed!" said Garavel, in a choking voice. "So
that is where you were when I believed you to be dancing!" He
burst forth violently, pounding the table with his clenched fist
until the dishes danced, his brilliant black eyes flashing beneath
their thatch of white.
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