"Is it possible?" cried Don Torribio, rising in his excitement. "Oh! Had I but known it!"
"Calm yourself; the evil you have done is partly repaired. Don Fernando, rescued by my orders from the clutches of Pablito, is now at Las Norias, whence he will shortly depart for Mexico. My father, who can never refuse me anything, has given me permission to choose him I love most."
As she said this, she darted at Don Torribio a look full of unutterable affection.
He was thunderstruck. A crowd of opposing feelings jostled in his breast: he did not dare to put full credence in the girl's words; a cruel doubt would insinuate itself. Was she mocking him?
"Is it indeed true," he said, "that you could still love me?"
"Is not my presence here an answer? Why should I have come? What should induce me?"
"It is true!" said he, falling on his knees before her. "Forgive me, señorita; I am mad, and know not what I say. It is too much happiness."
A smile of triumph lighted up her face.
"If I did not love you," she said, "could I not have chosen Don Fernando, who is now at the hacienda?"
"Yes, yes; you are a thousand times right! O woman! Adorable woman! Who is able to fathom thy heart?"