The presence of the runaway—not seen, however, from the spot—did not hinder Cubina from saluting his sweetheart with a kiss, nor prevent him from folding her for a short moment in his arms.
That spasm of exquisite pleasure passed, the dialogue began.
The girl spoke first.
“Oh, Cubina! news I have tell.”
“Come, my love—what news? Ah! you are looking grave, Yola; your news is not very joyful, I fear?”
“No, not joyful—bad news.”
“Let me hear them, love. Something Cynthy has been saying to you? You shouldn’t heed what that girl says.”
“No, Cubina, I no care what her me tell. I her know, wicked, bad girl. Not Cynthy say that thing me trouble now. Missa Kate me tell.”
“Ah! something Miss Vaughan has told you? I wouldn’t look for bad news from her. But what is it, dear Yola? Maybe, after all, it’s nothing?”
“Ah! yes, Cubina, something. I fear me keep from you long, long time.”