They were both very fond of the young girl who had been “en deposito” with their mother for several months, and they were greatly interested in her sad love-story which was no secret in the family. They knew that Mariquita’s lover, Don Francisco, had gone to Cuba with his regiment, and that in his absence her parents had tried to force her to marry an old man who was very rich but whom Mariquita hated.
So she had taken advantage of the Spanish law and, having signed a document stating the facts, had been placed by the magistrate “en deposito” with Señora Vasquez. It was that good lady’s duty to care for her and protect her until her parents had time to relent. If they did not agree to allow her to marry Don Francisco at the end of the appointed time, she was free to do so without her parents’ consent according to Spanish law.
Señora Vasquez had found Mariquita a great comfort while her husband was away, and the children had grown to love her dearly, but the poor girl was often sad. She had heard nothing from Don Francisco for many weeks, and her parents had tried to convince her that he was dead. Still she refused to believe them and would not return home or marry as they wished.
“If only Don Francisco would come back for Christmas,” cried Anitia. “I can think of nothing which would make Mariquita happy except that.”
“What do you suppose the sick soldier wanted?” said Antonio, to change the subject, for tender-hearted Anitia’s eyes were filled with tears of sympathy.
“He wanted to tell me some news that will help us to make Mariquita happy,” answered their father’s voice. He had come up behind them and had heard both questions.
“Come with me quickly, for we have no time to lose.” The children questioned him eagerly as they hurried along together, and he told them all the soldier had said.
The sick man had been in Don Francisco’s regiment, and many nights, by the side of the camp-fire, they had exchanged stories of their home and loved ones. Don Francisco had confided to him how he longed to return to Spain and marry his Mariquita, but the weeks had lengthened into months and still their orders
