"Do you want me to make love to him on my own account?" asked the lady, with a supplicating glance.
"Far be it from me to indicate the 'how.' One thing only I ask of you to promise me, which is that you do not leave the city at present."
"And when then will your lordship give me permission to go?"
"When we have tried our strength with the Spaniards, and have beaten them."
"Let it be so. I give you my promise."
"And the Patria will some day thank you, and know you as one of her most faithful children," replied Evaña, rising from his chair.
"Sit down, Carlos; do not go yet. Have you nothing more to say to me?"
"The object of my visit is accomplished."
"And already you go? Sit down again, Carlos. The Patria is your first love, and we are going to do what we can for her; but after her there is another love, come and talk to me of that."
"I have but one love, Señora," replied Evaña, standing before her, and twirling his hat round with his long, white fingers.