"He terrifies me much in sending that word to wake me with this morning," she protested. "I tell you I will kill myself before I live one more day of life with José Perez! I told him all my heart in the _sala_ last night, and it means not anything to Ramon Rotil;--he would tie me in slavery to that man I hate!"
"Señora, I do not know what the general means, but I know it is not that. His work is for your service, even though appearance is otherwise."
"Then I go," she decided. "I think I would have to go anyway, but the heart would be more heavy, _Santa Maria_!--but this place of Soledad is strange in its ways."
It was the first time he had seen her frightened, but her mouth trembled, and her eyes sought the floor.
He reached out and took her hand; it was terribly cold.
"Courage, and trust Rotil," he said reassuringly. "When you sift out the whole situation that is about all left to any of us here in the desert."
He led her along the corridor, the women following. Men with pack animals were gathering in wonder around the cases in the plaza, and through the portal they saw the impromptu bridal procession, and fell silent. The Americano appeared to have a hand in every game,--and that was a matter of wonder.
As they entered, Padre Andreas was reading aloud the brief history of Jocasta Benicia Sandoval, eldest daughter of Teresa Sandoval and Ignatius Sanchez of Santa Ysobel in the Sierras. Padre Andreas had balked at writing the paternity of children of Teresa Sandoval, but a revolver in Rotil's hand was the final persuader.
"This is to be all an honest record for which there are witnesses in plenty," he stated. "Teresa Sandoval had only one lover,--even though Padre Ignatius Sanchez did call her daughters nieces of his! But the marriage record of Señora Jocasta Sandoval shall have only truth." Jocasta wrote her name to the statement as directed, and noted that José had already signed.
She did not look at him, but moved nearer to Rotil and kept her eyes on the table. He noted her shrinking and turned to the priest.
"Señor," he said, "these two people will write their names together on the contract, but this is a marriage without kisses or clasping of hands. It is a civil contract bound by word of mouth, and written promise, under witness of the church. Read the service."
