This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1921 edition. Excerpt: …afternoon to you, Don Lorenzo. Lorenzo. God be with you. He gives him a coin. Gabriel protests as he takes it. Gabriel. No, no… I couldn’t think of it… I really couldn’t. There’s nothing that we want here… thank you, thank you! He glances furtively at the coin, and is overwhelmed. Two pesetas… oh, a thousand thanks! Sister Gracia. Run along now… run along. gabriel disappears, contemplating the coin and murmuring ecstatically Two pesetas! Maria Isabel remains seated on the bench, musing over what she has just heard. Lulu gets up and goes to peep through the foliage into the arbour. Sister Gracia still holds her father’s hand. Sister Gracia. How silent you are, Father. Talk to me a little. Lorenzo. What about? Sister Gracia. About yourself. What are you busy at now? Lorenzo. The usual things. I’m rather pressed with… lots of things to think about… and getting to feel rather old. Sister Gracia. Old… you! Since when, pray? Lorenzo. Ever since a certain little witch gave up coming into my study and untidying my papers for me. His voice turns a little husky, but he keeps it firm. There’s a vacant place there, young lady. Sister Gracia. Ah… don’t say that to me… don’t say that. Lorenzo. Smiling again. There, there, never mind! When I’m quite decrepit I’ll petition the authorities to admit me here… and then you will look after me, won’t you? She doesn’t answer; just kisses his hand. There are tears in his eyes. Lorenzo. As long as you’re content… that’s all that matters. Sister Gracia. I am, Father… indeed I am. Lorenzo. Truly? She lifts her face like a child, so that he may see she is not lying, and he looks her in the eyes. Sister Gracia. Yes, look at me… truly, truly. And more than content today……
