The hour would come, when Leon was restored to her, and she saw in his devoted wife the lovely woman whose association with Roderic had so aroused her jealousy--that hour would witness his triumph--it would balance the account and thus they could start afresh. So Roderic indulged in philosophical reflections to bolster up his courage. But he smoked no more that morning. Georgia had stood there where he had left her as though incapable of action--once she stretched out a hand after his retreating form, and a low cry bubbled from her lips, now hidden by the veil; but by no movement or outcry did she attempt to recall him. "It is better that I should die than live to be deceived. He would explain, but how could my eyes deceive me? And she was so beautiful, when he kissed her hand. Oh! it was cruel, and he, my Roderic is like all men, a perfidious monster. I may not forget him but I shall try to learn to _hate_ him." Evidently she believed she had a big contract on hand. Then her better nature, urged by the love that nestled in her heart, had an inning. "He kissed her hand--true, yet since when has that become a crime that men should be condemned because of it? Last night did not General Parrado raise my hand to his lips respectfully. I wonder whether he was pilloried for it this morning by the Lady who Must be Obeyed. What did he say--"find Leon, thanks to the lady you have so bitterly condemned." Have I done wrong--is he still true? Oh! weak heart, how you cling to your idol--oh! yearning soul, with what power may I tear your clinging tendrils away from the oak around which they have grown? It will be death to the vine--death to poor wretched me." She returned slowly to the house, hoping that Roderic would repent his rash resolve and return to give her another chance. But alas, he came not, for the wound was too fresh, and the salt that had been rubbed into it smarted too fiercely. Upon the balcony Georgia spent all of the day save the hours for _siesta_--she watched eagerly those who went up and down the plaza, yet no sign came from the one beloved. By degrees the full realization of her desolation came upon her. "I have chased him from me--with scorn and bitterness have I sent my Roderic away, and he will come no more. Woe is me, wretched Georgia. He swore by the stars, by everything he held sacred, yes, even by the grave of his sainted mother that he loved only me. And I have refused to hear him. He will never seek me again. Night's shades are falling and without his assistance I must venture into the jaws of danger--for Leon's sake. Heaven forgive me and crush my haughty heart because it has made him suffer. Heaven give me a chance to atone for my pride, for the insult put upon him." And thus lamenting the prettiest girl in all San Juan saw the lights begin to gleam in the island capital. CHAPTER XXII. TO THE OLD FORTRESS.