"Oh!" she cried, startled. "Who has found me out here?"
"No one has found you; there is no one looking for you but me," cried Segundo vehemently, penetrating into Nieves' hiding-place with such impetuosity that the late blossoms which whitened the branches of the giant tree showered their petals over their heads, and the branches swayed rhythmically.
"For Heaven's sake, García!" she cried, "for Heaven's sake, don't be imprudent—go away, or let me go. If the others should come and find us here what would they say? For Heaven's sake, go!"
"You wish me to go?" said the poet. "But, Señora, even if they should find me here, there would be nothing strange in that; a little while ago I was with Teresa Molende behind the camellias there; either we are playing or we are not playing. But if you desire it—to please you——But before I go I wish to ask you a question——"
"Somewhere else—in the parlor," stammered Nieves, lending an anxious ear to the distant noises and cries of the game.
"In the parlor! Surrounded by everybody! No, that cannot be. No, now, do you hear me?"
"Yes, I hear you," she returned in a voice rendered almost inaudible by terror.
"Well, then, I adore you, Nieves; I adore you, and you love me."
"Hist! Silence, silence! They are coming. I think I hear steps."
"No, it is the leaves. Tell me that you love me and I will go."