He at
once wished me good-bye, and with his two boys went off, leaving me
to partake of poached eggs and coffee--quite an English breakfast.
I then rose and thanked the good senora for her hospitality.
"One moment," she said, when I held out my hand, and, drawing a small
silk bag from her bosom, she offered it to me. "My husband has given
me permission to present you with this at parting. It is only a small
gift, but while you are in this trouble and away from all your friends
it perhaps might be of use to you."
I did not wish to take money from her after all the kind treatment I
had received, and so allowed the purse to lie on my open hand where
she had placed it.
"And if I cannot accept it----" I began.
"Then you will hurt me very much," she replied. "Could you do that
after the kind words you spoke yesterday?"
I could not resist, but, after putting the purse away, took her hand
and kissed it.
"Good-bye, Candelaria," I said, "you have made me love your country
and repent every harsh word I have ever spoken against it."
Her hand remained in mine; she stood smiling, and did not seem to think
the last word had been spoken yet. Then, seeing her there looking so
sweet and loving, and remembering the words her husband had spoken the
day before, I stooped and kissed her cheek and lips.
"Adieu, my friend, and God be with you," she said.
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