The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1907-07-07
CHAPTER XVI.
BETTY SHOWS HER TEETH


-Senora," said Inez, you think that you
have something against me-"
"No," answered Margaret, you are
what you are; why should I blame your"
We'll, against the Senior Bronze then?"
Perhaps, but that is between me and him.
I will not discuss II with you"
Sonora" vent on Inez, with a slow smile
we are both innocent Of what you thought
you saw
Indeed, then, who is guilty3"
THE Marquis OF Morella.'
Margaret made an answer, but her eyes
said much.
-Senora, you do not believe me. nor is it
wonderful. Yet I speak the truth. What
you saw from the tower was a play in which
Senor Bronze took his part badly enough, as
you may nave noticed. because I told him
that my life hung on IL. I have nursed
him through a sore sickness, Sonora, and
he is not ungrateful.'
so 1 judged; but I 10 not understand
you"
-Senora, I am a slave in this house, a
discarded slave. Perhaps you can guess
the rest; It is a common story here. l was
offered my freedom at a price, that I should
weave myself into this mans heart, l who
am held fair, and make him my lover. II
failed, then perhaps l should be sold as a
slave-perhaps worse.
Il accepted-why should I not? II was
a small thing to me. On the one hand, life,
freedom and wealth, a hidalgo Of good
blood and a friend for a little while, and,
on the other. the last shame or blackness
which doubtless awaits me now-if l am
found out.
-Senora, I failed, who in truth did not
try hard to succeed. The man looked or
me as his nurse, no more, and TO me he was
one very sick, no more; also, We grew to he
friends, and in this way or in that ! learned
all his story, learned also why the trap was
baited thus-that o might be deceived
and fall into a deeper trap.
"Sehora. I could not explain IL all to him;
indeed, in that chamber where we were
spied on I had but little chance. Still 1t
was necessary that he should seem to I've
what he is not, so I took him into the garden
and knowing well who watched III made
him act his part well enough to deceive
you, IL would seem"
still I do not understand, said Margaret,
more softly. you say that your life or
welfare hung on this shameful business.
Then why do you reveal it TO me now'"
ITO save you from yourself, Senora. to
save my friend the Senior Bronze inc to
pay back Morella in his own coin"
"How will you do these things1"
-The first two are done, I think. but the
third il difficult. II is OF that I come to
speak with you, at great risk. Indeed,
had not my master been summoned to the
court Of the Moorish King I could not have
.,J L.. xuax, 81. NJ N nyr firna
Have you some plan'' asked Margaret.
leaning toward her eagerly.
mo plan at yet, only an idea" She
turned and looked at Betty, adding: This
se1ora is your cousin. is she not. though
Of a different station and somewhat far
away"
Margaret nodded.
you are not unlike" went on Ihez, of
much the same height and shape, although
the Seniors Betty is stronger built. and her
eyes are blue and her hair golden, whereas
your eyes are black and your hair chestnut.
Beneath a veil OF at night IL would not be
easy to tell you apart IL your hands were
gloved and ne ither Of you spoke above a
whisper"
YES" said Margaret. what them"
Now the Sonora Betty comes into the
play" replied Ihez. -Senora Betty. have
you understood our talk2"
Something, not quite all" answered
Betty.
Then what you do not understand your
mistress must interpret. and be not angry
with me. I pray you. II I seem TO know
more Of you and your affairs than you have
ever told me-. Render my words now.
Sonora Margaret"
Then after this was do ne and she had
thought a while Inez continued slowly.
Margaret translating them from Spanish
into English whenever Betty could not
understand:
"Morella made love TO you in England.
Sonora Betty-did he not1- and won your
heart al he has won that Of many another
woman. so that you came TO believe that he
was carrying you on to marry YOU, and not
your cousin"
what affair is that Of yours. woman9'
asked Betty. flushing angrily.
'None at all, save that I could tell you
much such another story II you cared to
listen But hear me out. and then 10y