"Take it off!" echoed the young lady, looking up in astonishment. "Well, rather!"
"What will Carlita think?"
"What, in Heaven's name, do you suppose I care what she thinks? Did you really believe that I intend to pass the rest of my life guarded from evil by the fear of Carlita's displeasure? If such an idea has ever disturbed you, put it away at once. She will very soon find her level in my life, and in yours, if I mistake not. When will you speak to her about our going?"
"Tomorrow, if you really wish it."
"You'd better make it tonight. There is no time like the present. I shall sleep better if I know the matter is settled."
"And if she should refuse?"
The girl lifted herself upon her elbow and opened her eyes very wide.
"Refuse!" she exclaimed. "Heavens and earth! Whence did you acquire this new-born submission? I'm positively afraid the mulatto is affecting your brain. Is she your guardian, or are you hers? Go in there and tell her that you are going, and that she is going with you. It is quite enough. Just let that settle it. Don't begin with anything like questioning her inclination, or you may have cause to regret it by and by. Come, toddle along now, and I will wait for you here."
The girl lay indolently back upon the grass, and her mother arose, albeit with a sigh.