"Sit down under this tree, and tell me what is in that letter, cousin."
Beltran stood before her.
"It is from my old friend, Silencio; he needs me—"
"I cannot hear, cousin; that mocking-bird sings so loud. Sit down here and tell me—"
"It is from my friend, Silen—"
"I cannot hear, cousin. You must sit here by me, and tell me all about it."
Beltran threw himself upon the ground with a sigh. She forced his head to her knee, and played with the rings of his hair.
"Now tell me, cousin, and then I shall decide the question for you."
Beltran lay in bliss. Delilah had him within her grasp; still there was firmness in the tone which said: