"Nonsense! I am not insulting you, Carmela; what harm is there in a pretty girl like you having a lover, if not two?"
"Let me go," she cried, as she made an angry movement to free herself.
"Not before you have answered my question."
"Ask it then, and let us have an end of this."
"Well, my wild little maid, be good enough to repeat to me what you whispered just now to that springald of a captain."
"I?" she replied in embarrassment; "what do you suppose I said to him?"
"That is the very point. Niña, I do not suppose what you said to him, I merely wish you to tell me what it was."
"Leave me alone, Ruperto, you only take a delight in tormenting me."
The Mexican looked at her searchingly.
"Do not turn the conversation, my beauty," he said drily, "for the question I ask you is serious."