The diplomat looked furious. Midbin explained hastily that the shock which had caused her muteness had not entirely worn off. Unquestionably she would recover her full memory in time, but for the present there were still areas of forgetfulness. Her native language was part of the past, he went on, happy with a new audience, and the past was something to be pushed away since it contained the terrible moment. English on the other hand—” “I understand,” said the diplomat stiffly, resolutely addressing none of us. “It is clear. Very well then. The Señorita García is heir—heiress to an estate. Not a very big one, I regret to say. A moderate estate.” “You mean land and houses?” I asked curiously. “A moderate estate,” he repeated, looking attentively at his gloved hand. “Some shares of stock, some bonds, some cash. The details will be available to the señorita.” “It doesnt matter,” said Catalina timidly. Having put us all, and particularly me, in our place as rude and nosey barbarians, he went on more pleasantly, “According to the records of the embassy, the señorita is not yet eighteen. As an orphan living in foreign lands she is a ward of the Spanish Crown. The señorita will return with me to Philadelphia where she will be suitably accommodated until repatriation can be arranged. I feel certain that in the proper surroundings, hearing her natural tongue, she will soon regain its use. The—ah—institution may submit a bill for board and lodging during her stay.” “Does he mean—take me away from here? For always?” Catalina, who had seemed so mature a moment before, suddenly acted like a frightened child. “He only wants to make you comfortable and take you among your own people,” said Mr Haggerwells. “Perhaps it is a bit sudden....” “I can’t. Do not let him take me away. Hodge, Hodge—do not let him take me away.” “Señorita, you do not understand—” “No, no. I won’t. Hodge, Mr Haggerwells, do not let him!” “But my dear—” It was Midbin who cut Mr Haggerwells off. “I cannot guarantee against a relapse, even a reversion to the pseudo-aphonia if this emotional tension is maintained. I must insist that Catalina is not to continue the conversation now.” “No one’s going to take you away by force,” I assured her, finally finding my courage once Midbin had asserted himself. The official shrugged, managing to intimate in the gesture his opinion that the haven was of a very shady character indeed and had quite possibly engineered the holdup itself. “If the señorita genuinely wishes to remain for the present—” a lifted eyebrow loaded the “genuinely” with meaning “—I have no authority at the moment to inquire into influences that have persuaded her. No, none at all. Nor can I remove her by—ah—I will not insist. No. Not at all.” “That is very understanding of you, sir,” said Mr Haggerwells. “I’m sure everything will be all right eventually.” The diplomat bowed stiffly. “Of course the—ah—institution understands it can hope for no further compensation—”