epth and meaning in a flash of thought.

She rose and impulsively kissed Sor Teresa.

"I used to be afraid of you," she said, with a laugh which seemed to
surprise her, as if the voice that had spoken was not her own. Then she
sat down again. It was almost dark in the room now, and the window
glimmered a forlorn gray.

"I am so hungry and tired," said Juanita in rather a faint voice, "but I
am glad I came. I could not stay in Torre Garda another hour. Marcos
married me for my money. The money was wanted for political purposes.
They could not get it without me--so I was thrown in."

She dropped her two hands heavily on the table and looked up as if
expecting some exclamation of surprise or horror. But her hearer made no
sign.

"Did you know this?" she asked, in an altered voice after a pause. "Are
you in the plot, too, as well as Marcos and Uncle Ramon? Have you been
scheming all this time as well, that I should marry Marcos?"

"Since you ask me," said Sor Teresa, slowly and coldly, "I think you
would be happier married to Marcos than in religion. It is only my
opinion, of course, and you must decide for yourself. It is probably the
opinion of others, however, as well. There are plenty of girls who ..."

"Oh! are there?" cried Juanita, passionately. "Who--I should like to
know?"

"I am only speaking in generalities, my child."

Juanita looked at her suspiciously, her April eyes glittering with a new
light.

"I thought you meant Milagros. He once said that he thought her pretty,
and liked her hair. It is red, everybody knows that. Besides, we are
married."

She dropped her tired head upon her folded arms--a schoolgirl attitude
which returned naturally to her amid the old surroundings.

"I don't care what becomes of me," she said wearily. "I don't know what
to do. It is very hard that papa should be dead and Leon ... Leon such a
preposterous stupid. You know he is."

Sor Teresa did not deny this sisterly truth; but stood motionless,
waiting for Juanita's decision.

"I am so hungry and tired," she said at length. "I suppose I can have
something to eat ... if I pay for it."

"Yes; you can have something to eat."

"And I may be allowed to stay here to-night, at all events."

"No, you cannot do that," answered the Sister Superior.

Juanita looked up in surprise.

"Then what am I to do? Where am I to go?"

"Back to your husband," was the reply in the same gentle, inexorable
voice. "I will take you back