Her breath came short and sharp as if in pain, yet the lips smiled up at him.
"Oh, God!" he sobbed, "it was you!" "Si, senor," the words faltering forth, almost as if in mockery of his own hesitating speech.

"Once I said maybe I show you.

I not know how den--now I know." "Sh-show me, little girl--in God's n-name, show me wh-what ?" "Eef eet vas true dat I lofe you, senor.

Now you tink eet vas so; now you all'ays know vat vas in de heart of Mercedes.

Dis bettah vay as talk, senor--nevah you doubt no more." He could only continue to look at her, the intense agony within his eyes beyond all expression of speech, his words caught helpless in the swelling throat.