"Oh, there he is now," and she ran to meet him. The moon was up higher and it was lighter. Her hands were outstretched, but he caught her under the arms and, lifting her up, gave her several kisses. It was so gratifying to have her always glad to see him.
Then he put her down and she caught his hand in both of hers and went a hop and a skip, giving short, soft laughs.
"I'm late. Did you eat up all the supper?"
"Oh, we had ours early. The Estenegas were here, the mother and all. We had a good, good time," with emphasis. "They all rode Pelajo. Anesta fell off twice, but it didn't hurt any, she asked us not to tell. And oh, how hungry they were!"
"Little girls ought always to be hungry. That makes them grow."
"And Carmen wished she had an uncle like you."
"Why—she has scarcely seen me."
"But then I talk about you," the child added, naïvely.
"Well—do you want to give me away?"
"Oh no, no."