"I do not speak, you say--it is because I am overcome with surprise, mortification, despair--because I have learned that you have deceived me, that you are a traitor!" came from under the veil. Roderic was almost paralyzed at first. The figure, the walk might be that of the governor's daughter, but the voice was no other than Georgia's. Over his face flashed a look of joy, for his heart leaped to meet its mistress. "Georgia--is it you--I thought, I believed--" She stopped his stammering exclamations of mingled delight and explanation. "I do not care to hear what you would say, Senor Owen. After this day, this hour, we must meet as strangers," she said, with difficulty controlling her emotion. "This is cruel--you cannot mean it, when I am risking my life here in your cause. You say that but to prove me, Georgia." "I mean every word of it. Think not I have no eyes, Senor Owen--I have seen all. Doubtless your risk has been considerably ameliorated by the pleasant company you are forced to seek." Then he knew what she meant. The shoe was on the other foot--it had come her turn to show jealousy. "Georgia, I can explain everything----" "I refuse to listen, knowing how weak I should be under the sound of your voice." "I swear you wrong me." "Senor, I saw everything--you might tell me a wonderful tale, but I could never forget." "Georgia, for the last time I implore you to give me a hearing--that girl----" "Stop, do not dare to mention her to me, sir. I refuse to hear even her name." She had thrown back her veil, showing her indignant face, her blazing midnight eyes and Roderic, who had never yet seen her in this mood was appalled. "Since you command it I shall say no more. Once I condemned you unheard and God knows I paid dearly for the error. Now, with even less reason you have accused me, and refuse to let me explain. Very good, senorita, I too can be proud--it must be you who bridges over this abyss if it is ever accomplished. Meanwhile I shall go my way and find Leon, thanks to the lady you have so bitterly condemned." He turned with a bow and left her there. Roderic was cut to the quick to think that she could suspect him of being unfaithful after all he had given up for her sake. It might seem as though he would have great patience with one whom he loved and who was passing through the same bitter error that had once engulfed him. Alas! human nature is not so constituted. His pride was touched and he believed he had gone far enough to explain. Ten words, had she allowed him to say them, would have removed the cause for doubt and suspicion; but as imperiously as a young queen, she had forbidden him to speak, and therefore like a lamb led to the altar he would not open his mouth again to plead his cause.