THE EARS OF TWENTY AMERICANS 109

"I must tell Benicia," he said, "but it is you who

ihould do that"

" She betray me, my friend."

"Oh, Eustaquia, make allowance for the lightness of

youth. She barely realized what she did. But she loves

him now, and suffers bitterly. She should be with

you."

"Ay! She suffer for another! She love a strange

man — an American — better than her mother! And it

is I who would die for her! Ay, you cold Americans!

Never you know how a mother can love her child."

"The Americans know how to love, seflora. And

Benicia was thoroughly spoiled by her devoted mother.
She was carried away by her wild spirits, nothing more."

14 Then much better she live on them now."

Dofia Eustaquia sat with her profile against the light

It looked severe and a little older, but she was very hand-

r «ome in her rich black gown and the gold chain about her

r strong throat Her head, as usual, was held a little back.
1 Brotherton sat down beside her and took her hand.
