He nodded. She turned her face away that he might not see the pallor
that overspread it. "It is a very great comfort to me," he resumed
presently, "to realize that the world is not altogether barren of love
and kindness."
"It must be," she murmured, her face still averted.
"It was the dearest wish of my poor father and of Anita's that the
ancient friendship between the families should be cemented by a
marriage between Anita and me. For me Senora Sepulvida would be a
marvelous mother-in-law, because she's my kind of people and we
understand each other. Really, I feel tremendously complimented
because, even before the oil strike saved the family from financial
ruin, Anita did not lack opportunities for many a more brilliant match."
"She's--dazzling," Kay murmured drearily. "What a brilliant wife she
will be for you!"
"Anita is far too fine a woman for such a sacrifice. I've always
entertained a very great affection for her and she for me. There's
only one small bug in our amber."
"And that--"
"We aren't the least bit in love with each other. We're children of a
later day and we object to the old-fashioned method of a marriage
arranged by papa and mama. I know there must be something radically
wrong with me; otherwise I never could resist Anita."
"But you are going to marry her, are you not?"
"I am not. She wouldn't marry me on a bet. And of course I didn't
accept her dear old mother's offer of financial aid.
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