“Call sooner the demon.”
“Pepe! remember this well: if you ever go near Lucia I will accept the love of the duke.”
“You dare do that?” said Pepe, starting with a gesture of menace.
“I dare every thing, for revenge.”
Pepe placed himself in front of the Gaviota, his arms crossed, and darting on her the most terrible looks. Maria sustained them without flinching. These brief moments sufficed for these two characters to study and know each other.
They comprehended that both were powerful in pride and in energy. This combat could no longer continue; it must be broken or suspended. With mutual and tacit accord each renounced the triumph.
“Come, Mariquita,” said Pepe, who was the culpable one, “let us be friends. I will not go near Lucia, but in exchange, and to have confidence in each other, conceal me this evening at your house, in such a manner that I can convince myself that you do not deceive me.”
“That cannot be,” replied Maria haughtily.
“’Tis well. I go where I go in leaving you.”
“Infamous! you put the knife to my throat,” cried Maria, doubling her fists with fury. “Depart!”