I had an idea one or two of the bolder spirits among the alcalde’s guests were endeavoring to climb to the roof of the toolhouse, a feat only to be accomplished by the most athletic.
These things, vexatious as they certainly were, could not keep me from devoting my whole energies toward the task now engaging my attention.
In fact, they were of no greater moment than a swarm of angry bees buzzing about my ears.
Perhaps Hildegarde might have ventured to make some remonstrance had I given her an opportunity to do so; but my prompt action swept everything before it.
I would not dare attempt to analyze the very peculiar feeling that came over me at the magnetic touch of her person; I had steeled my heart to resist all influences of this kind, and foolishly believed I was strong enough to approach this woman as calmly and indifferently as though she were a stranger.
Alas! I realized my mistake as I crushed her almost savagely in my arms; surely there was hardly any necessity for such a bear’s hug.
Would she notice my unnecessary fervor, and in her soul despise me for such weakness?
The thought, coming with electrical swiftness, made me strong again; I could not bear her scorn or contempt.
So I lowered her over the parapet of the wall, seeking to so arrange it that her feet might rest upon the upper round of the unseen ladder.
She seemed quite self-possessed, and aided me by grasping the top of the wall.