“Keep your hands off of me,—do you hear! Don't touch me! Not yet, not yet. I must have some proof that you can give me all these things you offer. Will you have Manuel Crust guarantee that—”
“My God,—Manuel,—he must not know I have spoken to you. He must never know,” he gasped. “Take my word,—believe me, beloved one. It is the God's truth I tell you. Within the month I will lay diamonds, pearls,—everything,—at your feet. I—”
“Leave me now. Come again,—tomorrow. I must think. I must—”
“But you will love me? You will come to me? You—”
“You are a very handsome boy,” she said softly, “and I should like to believe you.”
He followed her for a few steps, trouble in his eyes.
“It is not enough. I must have your promise,” he said.
She looked at him coldly. “You will have it when I am ready to give it,” she said, and his face lightened for a moment, only to darken again.
“I will cut your heart out if you breathe a word of this to any one,” he whispered hoarsely.
“Is that the way for a lover to speak?” she returned.