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I name it, Manuela. The Prudencia, for thee, my kind hostess. Why do you laugh?" Marm Prudence was twinkling in her quiet way. "I was only thinkin' there'd have to be one soldier boy go without his hat to-morrow!" she said, good-humouredly. "It does look nice on you, though, Miss Margaritty, that's certin." Blushing scarlet, Rita tore the hat from her head.
I'm short-handed; help is turrible skurce in war-time, and I can keep you out of Satan's hands, if nothing else." "You busy, Miss Margaritty?" It was Marm Prudence's voice, and at the sound Rita opened her door quickly. She and Manuela had been holding a mournful consultation over the state of her wardrobe, which had had rough usage during the past two weeks, and she was glad of an interruption.
"You'll see, time enough!" she said. "It's a picnic for somebody, if not for us, Miss Margaritty. Look, dear! is Don Noonsey out in the ro'd there?" Don Annunzio was out in the road, having made what was quite a journey for him, down the verandah steps, along the garden walk, and across the sunny road. He now stood shading his eyes with his hand, looking this way and that with anxious glances.
He spoke English like an Anglo-Saxon, without trace of accent or hesitation. His hair and complexion were brown, but a pair of bright blue eyes lightened his face in an extraordinary manner. Who might this be? "Mr. Delmonty, let me make ye acquainted with Miss Margaritty Montfort!" said Señora Carreno, with some ceremony. "Miss Montfort is stoppin' with us for a spell.
You are a heroine; you have had the opportunity, and you knew how to take it. Daughter of Cuba, your sister blesses you." Before Manuela could reply, Donna Prudencia broke in. "There! there!" she said. "Come down off your high horse, Miss Margaritty, there's a dear; and help me to see to things.
What would Margaret say, if she were here? She would know the right word, she always did. "Marm Prudence," she said, presently, "to have the memory of a hero, of one who dies for his country, that is something, is it not? some little comfort?" Marm Prudence did not answer at once. "Mebbe so," she said, presently. "Mebbe so, Miss Margaritty. Noonzio was a good man.
"You got a touch o' sun, like as not, riding in that heat this morning. Now there's no call to get worked up, or talk about blood-sheddin'. Blood-sheddin' ain't in our line, yours nor mine, nor husband's neither. Fur as doin' goes, we're all pacificos here, Miss Margaritty, and you mustn't forget that.
"I'll tell you, if you'll give me a chance, Miss Margaritty. I supposed, though, that you'd have heard of Jack Delmonty; Captain Jack, as they call him. Since his last raid the Gringos have offered a big reward for him, alive or dead. He was wounded in the foot, and thought he might hender his troop some if he tried to go with them in that state.
Soon after, Donna Prudencia appeared, with bedroom candles, and stood looking benevolently at the two young people. "I expect you've been having a good visit," she said. "Well, there's an end to all, and it's past ten o'clock, Miss Margaritty." Rita rose with some reluctance; nor did Captain Delmonte seem enthusiastic on the subject of going to bed. "Such a beautiful night!" he said.
I'll never forgit you, though, Miss Margaritty," she added, "nor you, Cap'n Jack. There! I can't say much yet." She turned away, and all were silent for a moment, as she wiped the tears from her rugged face. "You go straight home, I suppose, sir?" said Jim, addressing Don Miguel. "Yes, yes!" cried the little gentleman. "I go to Pine del Rio with my dear ward here.
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