“I _have_! therefore do not store it with facts that will be likely to injure you in my estimation. Well, to go back to that evening—I loved the little, fierce child—it was piquant to see so much intense fire concentrated in so small a space. I felt that it would be interesting to subdue this fierceness into gentleness. I was called away from home; but I never forgot the interest she gave me. I returned, and the little girl had become a little woman—and was wilder, fiercer, more piquant than ever; she interested me, attracted me more than ever—and I wished to possess her—I do possess her. I wanted her for interest, amusement, occupation, use—not for _torture_! I wish her _esprit malin_ to stop just when and where it ceases to be _agreeable_—do you hear, love? For, Hagar, I have extremely keen nerves and senses; as most people of my complexion enjoy a moderate degree of any sort of pleasure thrillingly, but do not like to be shocked and stunned; things that would scarcely act upon a lower organization put me in pain. And now another picture, Hagar. Do you remember the monkey Augustus May brought you from sea, when you were a little girl? You kept it years until my return; you had educated it almost up to human intelligence; and showed it to me with so much pride and pleasure. I was so amused with its antics—not so much with what you had _taught_ it as with its _own primal_ nature, breaking through all. _Yes, look at me, Hagar!_ keep your eye _so_—for I want you to read all in my _soul_ that you find upon my _tongue_. You remember the day we stood upon the point of rocks between the river and bay, on the other side; you remember you had your monkey in your arms; you set it down, and I made it bound and bound for a chestnut, while we both laughed at its antics, until the thing, exasperated to anger, sprang upon my chest and set its teeth and claws into my flesh, and then! Ah! you grow pale, proud one! _what then, Hagar?_” She answered, and spoke low and slowly, as though the words were drawn from her involuntarily. “You tore it from my bosom by the heels, and dashed its brains out on the rocks.” “It was an involuntary impulse, Hagar, deplored, perhaps, the moment after; nevertheless, Hagar, you monkey!” and here he smiled a strange smile,—“be as spirited, fiery, and piquant as you please, but never set your teeth and nails into my flesh _again_—and Hagar!” “Well?” “I want a mark of confidence from you. Invite Miss Aguilar to stay with us—do you hear?” “Yes.” “‘Yes,’ what is that? Yes you hear, or yes you will do it?” “Yes, I hear, and I will do it.” “This day?” “Yes.”