"Thank you, thank you, Captain Ribot," she murmured, "but it is not possible."
"It is not possible, truly. How could it be when I lack skill to persuade you of the sincerity of my sentiments? I confess that there have been reasons why you should not give me your confidence. I have repented with all my soul, and I beg your forgiveness."
As if these words agitated her, she rose, pushed aside a hanging curtain, went to the piano that stood open, ran her fingers over the keys, then came and sat down again.
"I understand by what I overheard," I said, after a pause, "that Castell has some hold over you—that you are in his debt."
"Our entire fortune is in his hands."
"What!"
"Emilio has been to him for money to use in his business, which was ruined."
"And this was given in the hope of obliging you to accept his devotion?"
"It is possible. Castell is more of a business man than a lover. No matter what he pretends, buying and selling is his business. He has always had the idea of getting absolute control of the steamboat line."
"I suppose that after what has been overheard, he will desist for a little in trying to get possession of it."