“That is because your grief is new,” the captain said. “You are young, señorita, you have a life to live. If you would live it with me—”
“Señor!” she warned.
“I can understand why you dislike me a bit,” he said. “Perhaps, in the past, I did some things that a gentleman should not do. But it was because of my great love for you, because I was afraid of losing you.”
“Señor, let us talk of other things, if we must talk,” the señorita begged.
“Do you not realize, señorita, that, if I wish it, you are in my power?”
“Now you are showing your true colors!” she said.
“Not so! I am showing you that I am not taking advantage of the situation,” he declared. “I intend rescuing you and the friends these pirates now hold as prisoners. I am risking my life to do it. And, if I succeed, cannot you look upon me with some favor?”
“If I have misjudged you, señor, I am indeed sorry,” she replied. “But it is useless to talk of such things. My heart is with Don Diego Vega, in life and in death!”
“Perhaps in the future—”
“There can be no hope, señor!”