By degrees the full realization of her desolation came upon her.
"I have chased him from me—with scorn and bitterness have I sent my Roderic away, and he will come no more. Woe is me, wretched Georgia. He swore by the stars, by everything he held sacred, yes, even by the grave of his sainted mother that he loved only me. And I have refused to hear him. He will never seek me again. Night's shades are falling and without his assistance I must venture into the jaws of danger—for Leon's sake. Heaven forgive me and crush my haughty heart because it has made him suffer. Heaven give me a chance to atone for my pride, for the insult put upon him."
And thus lamenting the prettiest girl in all San Juan saw the lights begin to gleam in the island capital.
CHAPTER XXII.
TO THE OLD FORTRESS.
There was one remarkably good trait about Owen—he had a powerful will, and when he chose could concentrate all his abilities upon a certain subject, to the exclusion of everything else.
It pleased him to nurse his grievances for a time—what badly used biped would not be addicted to the same luxury.
Then, with a mighty upheaval he cast the whole load from him.
The public weal demanded his full attention and private woes must take a back seat.