"Let us reason a little, my child, like sensible persons; up to the present, at least, we have succeeded in concealing from everybody the happy return of your senses."
"Happy!" she sighed.
"Yes, happy; for with the intellect faith, that is to say, strength, returned to you. Well, while your guardian believes you still insane, and is compelled, in spite of himself, to suspend his schemes with reference to you, I have been employing all the influence my high position gives me, and my family connections. I have had a petition on your behalf presented to the President of the Republic by sure hands; this petition is supported by the greatest names in Mexico, and I ask in it that the marriage with which you are menaced may not be contracted against your will; in a word, I ask that your guardian may be prevented taking any steps till you are in a proper condition to say yes or no."
"Have you really done that, my good mother?" the maiden exclaimed, as she threw her arms in real delight round the elder lady's neck.
"Yes, I have done so, my child, and I am expecting every moment a reply, which I hope will be favourable."
"Oh, mother, my real mother, if that succeeds I shall be saved."
"Do not go from one extreme to the other, my child; all is uncertain yet, and heaven alone knows whether we shall be successful."
"Oh, God will not abandon a poor orphan."
"God, my child, chastens those He loves; have confidence in Him, and his right hand will be extended over you to sustain you in adversity."
"Sister Redemption is coming this way, holy mother," Doña Helena said at this moment.