"And if this marriage has a
flaw, then I will stand beside the prison gates and remarry him as
he comes forth."
"He will not come forth," Ramon declared, harshly.
"Oh yes! And now will you take me to him?"
"NO!" her father bellowed. "You are my daughter, you are under my
roof, and here you shall stay until you give up this madness and
this man."
"That I can never do," she retorted, proudly. "You see, I am not
all Spanish, I have in me also the blood of his people, and that
makes me steadfast. I could not doubt him if I wished."
"I forbid you to go near him. Come! Do you promise?" She inclined
her dark head. "I must learn more of this affair at once. You will
find your senses, miss, or if you do not you will spend your life
in meditation and prayer--that much I promise you."
"I do not wish to enter a convent," she said, with white lips. "I
wish to be happy. When Keerk is free I shall go to him. Now, if
you please, I--think I shall go away." She turned and went out of
the big high-ceilinged room, and not until she had reached the
hall did her feet waver or her head droop.
When the two men were alone, Garavel said, brokenly: "She is the
first to bring disgrace upon our name. Is there absolute proof
that the man is guilty, Ramon?"
"Proof?" Alfarez turned dazed eyes from the door through which
Gertrudis had gone.
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