"But, good Heavens, they are calling me! They are noticing my absence. I am cold!"
"Tell me the truth then. Otherwise there is no human power that can tear me from here—come what will. Is it so hard to say a single word?"
"And what do you want me to say, tell me?"
"Do you love me, yes or no?"
"And you will let me go—go to the house?"
"Anything you wish—but first tell me, do you love me?"
The yes was almost inaudible. It was an aspiration, a prolonged s. Segundo crushed her wrists in his grasp.
"Do you love me as I love you? Answer plainly."
This time Nieves, making an effort, pronounced an unequivocal yes. Segundo released her hands, raised his own to his lips with a passionate gesture of gratitude, and springing down the stairs, disappeared among the trees.