“‘That is because you are near Lucas; but understand this, if he recovers, he won’t live to have old bones. But, after all, why should I be angry with him? I am tired of killing all your lovers; you are the one I will kill.’ “She looked earnestly at me with that savage look of hers, and said: “‘I have always thought that you would kill me. The first time I saw you, I had just met a priest at the door of my house. And that night when we left Cordova, didn’t you see anything? A hare crossed the road between your horse’s feet. It is written.’ “‘Carmen, don’t you love me any more?’ I asked her. “She made no reply. She was seated with her legs crossed, on a mat, and making figures on the ground with her finger. “‘Let us change our mode of life, Carmen,’ I said to her in suppliant tone. ‘Let us go somewhere to live where we shall never be parted. You know, we have a hundred and twenty ounces buried under an oak, not far from here. Then, too, we have funds in the Jew Ben-Joseph’s hands.’ “She smiled and said: “‘Me first, then you. I know that it is bound to happen so.’ “‘Reflect,’ I continued; ‘I am at the end of my patience and my courage; make up your mind, or I shall make up mine.’ “I left her and walked in the direction of the hermitage. I found the hermit praying. I waited until his prayer was at an end; I would have liked to pray, but I could not. When he rose I went to him. “‘Father,’ I said, ‘will you say a prayer for some one who is in great danger?’ “‘I pray for all who are afflicted,’ he said. “‘Can you say a mass for a soul which perhaps is soon to appear before its Creator?’ “‘Yes,’ he replied, gazing fixedly at me. “And, as there was something strange in my manner, he tried to make me talk. “‘It seems to me that I have seen you before,’ he said. “I placed a piastre on his bench. “‘When will you say the mass?’ I asked. “‘In half an hour. The son of the innkeeper yonder will come soon to serve it. Tell me, young man, have you not something on your conscience which torments you? Will you listen to the advice of a Christian?’