“You know I am in love, and you know with whom. What am I to do with her?”
“Why, marry her, of course. What else?”
“I dare not.”
“Dare not!”
“That is—not now.”
“Why not? Resign your commission, and remain here. You know our regiment is to be disbanded; you cannot do better.”
“Ah! my dear fellow, that is not the thing that hinders me.”
“What then?”
“Should I marry her, and remain, our lives would not be safe one moment after the army had marched. Papers containing threats and ribald jests have, from time to time, been thrust under the door of her house—to the effect that, should she marry ‘el official Americano’—so they are worded—both she and her father will be murdered. You know the feeling that is abroad in regard to those who have shown us hospitality.”
“Why not take her with you, then?”