The footsteps stopped. She knew he was standing at the steps. She
would not look up. She thought if she did not, he would go away.
She did not know either the Indian or the lover nature. After a
time, finding the consciousness of the soundless presence
intolerable, she looked up, and surprised on Alessandro's face a
gaze which had, in its long interval of freedom from observation,
been slowly gathering up into it all the passion of the man's soul,
as a burning-glass draws the fire of the sun's rays. Involuntarily a
low cry burst from Ramona's lips, and she sprang to her feet.
"Ah! did I frighten the Senorita? Forgive. I have been waiting here
a long time to speak to her. I wished to say --"
Suddenly Alessandro discovered that he did not know what he
wished to say.
As suddenly, Ramona discovered that she knew all he wished to
say. But she spoke not, only looked at him searchingly.
"Senorita," he began again, "I would never be unfaithful to my
duty to the Senora, and to you."
"I believe you, Alessandro," said Ramona. "It is not necessary to
say more.
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