"Dear madre," Anita lifted her mother's hand and kissed it. "How could anyone who ever knew you believe that you would be so heartless? Do you think my father really believed you had actually deserted him and us?"
"Not exactly. I cannot believe he thought that much evil of me, but he probably did really think that I cared no more for him, that I pined for my own country, my people, even for the companionship of my old sweetheart. In his pitiful jealousy he wanted to punish me. Oh, I don't know, I don't know. I scarcely can believe he had any other design. He was wild in his imaginings, would get worked up into a frenzy of suspicion against others beside myself. He was never what one might call a well-balanced person, and at that time was surely not normal. Jealousy makes one abnormal for the time being."
"That wicked Pilar! If she had but told you the truth, you would have come right here. You would have found Pepé long ago."
"And have missed finding my daughter."
"Oh, mother, yes, that is a dreadful thought. I wonder if it is wrong to be glad you found me first."
"My darling, of course not. You must remember that my finding you led the way for further discovery, led us to this search for Pepé. You furnished information. You have inspired me with confidence. Your steadfast belief that we shall find him has given me fresh courage."
"And now, and now," cried Anita exultantly, "we are on our way to him. Don't you feel that we are?"
"I do have fuller faith than ever before, dear daughter. My baby boy! He is a grown man, Anita, twenty-one by now. I wonder if he has been taught to hate me."
"If he has, he will soon do the opposite," returned Anita staunchly. "Let me but get hold of him, and he will soon understand. Oh, you precious darling." She flung herself on her mother with ardent caresses. "It hurts me, it always hurts me to think of what you have suffered so unjustly. Is there no end to suffering in this life?"
"No end," replied her mother gravely. "We are saved through suffering. That is its lesson. And great joy and peace comes from endurance, from strength acquired."