"Now, I'll try again, little one. The Captain said to me, in effect, that at first the señorita listened to him the night of the baile; she allowed him to hold her hand; her eyes dropped. She—"
"Señora Valentino, I request that this conversation cease, and that you do not again mention to me the name of Captain Morando."
"But, my dear señorita—"
"I request that you do as I ask, señora."
"I can, of course, but do as you wish. I assure you, it is not a pleasant task for me to speak of these matters. It is only from an urgent desire to serve my friend who asked this of me. The other day some one, in speaking of Captain Morando, said that it is easy for young men to fall in love; and, indeed, to fall out of it—but, away! those threadbare sayings! The heart of Don Alfredo is loving and warm. Do I not know it? Had it not been for the dashing Colonel Valentino—" Then suddenly, "O, señorita, a man cannot forgive everything even in a woman he loves. If you do not listen to his suit it may be too late, and you will live to regret, even as I—" She stopped, apparently absorbed in thought of the past.
The girl arose. "Señora Valentino—" she began.
The señora extended her unbandaged hand. "I have tried to perform a difficult and a distasteful task. I trust some good will come of it. I will say but one thing more: Do not trifle too far with Captain Morando."
"Captain Morando is nothing to me; nor can he ever be. I would not wish it otherwise."
"Well, señorita, I have fulfilled my promise. I have done my duty. Shall we now visit the wounded soldiers?"
"If you so desire, Señora Valentino."