Here Tia Teresa was kneeling and praying, the only light in the apartment coming from the altar candles, when Merle softly tiptoed in, still wearing her automobile cloak. She hesitated to advance, and momentarily turned to withdraw. But Tia Teresa had seen her, and by a gesture had bidden her to remain. For a few moments the old duenna’s lips continued to move, then she told another bead on her rosary, arose from her knees, crossed herself devoutly, and with a final prostration before the crucifix, terminated her devotional exercises.
“What brought you here, my child?” she asked, approaching Merle.
“Why are you engaged in prayer tonight?” asked Merle, answering question with question.
“You know I often pray,” replied Tia Teresa. “You have seen me many, many times.”
“Yes, but not at this hour, when you are always with my mother.”
“She will be wondering where I am. I had better go to her now.”
“No,” rejoined Merle. “I wish to speak to you. Come here, Tia Teresa; sit down by my side, and treat me once again as the little girl of the long ago whom you used to pet and fondle.”
“That’s very easily done,” responded Tia Teresa, with a pleased smile, seating herself on the low sofa close to Merle. “Come to my heart, my darling, as in the long ago.”
And the duenna drew the girl to her loving, protecting bosom. She noticed now that Merle was trembling under the influence of some deep emotion.
“What is wrong with you, my dear?” she asked anxiously.