The station bell rang. Manuel stepped into the coach.
“Better be getting off,” said the baroness. “The train is about to start.”
Manuel offered his hand timidly to La Nena.
“Embrace her,” said her mother.
Manuel scarcely dared to put his arms around the maiden’s waist. The baroness kissed him upon both cheeks.
“Good-bye, Manuel,” she said, wiping a tear.
The train started; La Nena waved her hand from the window; one car after another rumbled along the tracks; the locomotive gathered speed. Manuel grew heavy hearted. On sped the train, whistling through the fields, as Manuel raised his hands to his eyes and felt that he was weeping.
Roberto clutched his arm.
“Let’s get out of here.”