"Shut the door, child, and sit down," resumed Mrs. Lopez. "Tell me, have you noticed how happy Dom is these times? how she sings, and no longer mopes like a sick owl? Would you hear the reason?"
"If you please, Nani."
"Once I told you she had a lover. Now I tell you—that she joins him in a few hours."
"Oh, no, Nani—it is impossible!"
"Listen—he is one they call the 'Honourable.' At night he often came out here to meet Dom—they thought no one knew. Cha-a-ah!" snapping her fingers; "it was the talk of the bazaar. It came not to the knowledge of the station folk—save of Salwey—who knows all things."
"But about to-day, Nani?"
"Oh, yes, Dom goes to-day, and she is packing now," she added tranquilly.
"It must be stopped," said Verona, suddenly rising to her feet. "Think of the shame and disgrace! your own grandchild!"
"Nay, you are my grandchild, also Pussy—and my best of all is gone. Aré, Hai! Hai! But Dom is naught. I know her, and keep my own counsel. I have two ears—but one tongue. I meddle not with Dom. No! 'Let everyone sweep before his own door'!"
"Oh, Nani, tell me what you know—and how you know it?"