The child drew back in alarm, but the needlewoman caught her by the arm.
"Don't think of escaping, for then you will come in for a double share."
Josefina seized her hand, weeping bitterly.
"Don't beat me, for God's sake, Concha! You know my godmother beat me yesterday. Look, look at my hands. My head also hurts me. The ground was so hard. I love you very much. I have never blamed you to godmother."
"Silence! silence!" returned the sempstress, trying to disengage herself gently from the little hands. "There is nothing to be done but obedience. The señora gives the order."
"No, por Dios! Concha, no, por Dios!" replied the little creature between her sobs. "I love you very much, and godmother too. If you don't beat me I will give you my box of sheep."
"Really?" said Concha, mollified.
"Yes; now, directly, if you like."
"And your housewife?"
"That too."