She had folded her arms, and now nodded. "I know it. I have expected you."
"Of course," said Estéban, inhaling enormously. He shot the smoke upwards towards the light, where it floated and spread out in radiant bars of blue. Manuela was tapping her foot.
"Well, I am here," she said. "I might have left you, but I have not. Why don't you do what you intend?"
"There is plenty of time," said Estéban, and continued to smoke. He began to make another cigarette.
"Do you know why I chose to stay with you?" she asked him softly. "Do you know, Estéban?"
He raised his eyebrows. "Not at all."
"It was because I had a bargain to make with you."
He looked at her inquiringly; but he shrugged. "It will be a hard bargain for you, my girl," he told her.
"I believe you will agree to it," she said quickly, "seeing that of my own will I have remained here. I will let you kill me as you please—on a condition."
"Name your condition," said Estéban. "I will only say now that it is my wish to strangle you with my hands."