"Why, that is impossible.

Surely you only jest, _senor_." The smile deserted his lips, and with a quick, unexpected movement he grasped her hand.
"Jest! You would call it a jest.

You will not think so for long.
Why, what can you do?
No; stop shrinking back from me.

It will be well that you listen.

This is no parlour where you can turn me away with a word of scorn," and his eyes swept the bare walls.