"You think I will get better then?"
"A little—yes. It's quite possible. Science can do a great deal—and nature too has her surprises. In short, there's no reason to despair. I've seen worse cases!"
They left the clinic and went home. They must be alone for awhile! In spite of the doctor's words, Monsalvat thought that despair would choke him; and Nacha could not bear to watch his suffering without trying to console him. Besides, an idea had occurred to her after her recent interview with Torres, an idea, which even in the midst of the dejection she shared with Monsalvat, had the power to bring her great happiness.
On reaching the house they went to Monsalvat's room, and Nacha turned the key in the lock to keep out the Moreno children.
"I want to tell you something," she began, helping Monsalvat to find a chair, and sitting down beside him.
"How ghastly this thing is, Nacha!" he murmured.
"We'll find a way out. Every problem in life has an answer—if we can only find it!"
She drew his head towards her and kissed him on the forehead, while her hand caressed his neck and eyes. At any other time Monsalvat would have been startled by such tenderness on her part. Only three or four times, on the occasion of some surpassing emotion, had they ever kissed; and then as brother and sister might. But now he did not know how to interpret her caresses. Was it possible that Nacha loved him? Loved him as a lover, and not as she had so persistently believed? His old passion for her stirred within him anew, and an immeasurable sweetness poured through his being. Yet he exclaimed:
"It isn't worth while living like this!"
The words were decisive for Nacha. She did not look at him but she knew that he was waiting; and slowly, with tears in her eyes, she brought her head close to his and kissed him on the lips.