Allow me to undeceive you! I am Inez de Garcia, to whom you shall never dictate, for I solemnly declare, that from this day the link which has bound us from childhood is at an end.

Mine be the hand to sever it.
From this hour we meet only as cousins! Go seek a more congenial bride!" "Hold, Inez! are you mad ?" "No, Manuel, but candid; for eight years I have known that I was destined to be your wife, but I never loved you, Manuel.

I do not, and never can, otherwise than as a cousin." In a tone of ill-suppressed range, Nevarro retorted: "My uncle's authority shall compel you to fulfil the engagement! You shall not thus escape me!" "As you please, Senor.

Yet let me tell you, compulsion will not answer.

The combined efforts of San Antonio will not avail--they may crush, but cannot conquer me." She bowed low, and left the room.
Every feature inflamed with wrath, Nevarro snatched his hat, and hurried down the street.