"I am glad to see you so well," were the lieutenant's first words, as he came up and attempted to take her hand, but she merely bowed coldly, motioned him to a chair on one side of the parlor, and seated herself on the other side of the room. "You say you have news from papa," she said. "What is it?" "He has been in another battle at Vista Lake. He was wounded, but he wished me to tell you that the wound is not at all serious. He was afraid the servants here might learn of it and frighten you by exaggerated reports." "Thank you, Lieutenant Mazenas; it was considerate of him to send you. And is that all?" He turned his small eyes full upon her, as if drinking in the beautiful picture she presented. "You do not seem glad to see me," he said, reproachfully. "You do not ask me about myself," and he pointed to the arm in the sling. "You have been wounded, I see." "Yes, I was shot through the forearm the day before yesterday. We had a hard time to beat the rebels back from this very town." "They are then so close!" cried Estella, and her heart gave a bound. "Who is in command?" "Captain Martinez." "Ah!" She said no more, but the look on her face betrayed her. "You know him then?" "I do. A brave and good man." "I see you still love the rebels," he sneered. "Well, have your way--women count for little in such a struggle as this." He sprang up and approached her. "They are far more important in other ways--in love, for instance," he added. He tried to catch her by the hand, but she indignantly spurned him and arose with blazing eyes. "You forget yourself, Lieutenant Mazenas!" she cried, sternly. "I do not forget myself, Estella; it is you who are not acting rightly," he returned, hotly. "You seem to forget the relationship I hold to you." "And what is that?" "Your affianced husband." "Never." "I speak the truth. You are to be my wife this very week. Your father has given me his word." "I will never marry you, Lieutenant Mazenas. I will kill myself first!" "This is mere talk, Estella. The day has been set, and when I leave you shall go forth to engage the minister." Angry emotion made her flush and pale by turns. Was it possible that her father would force her into this odious marriage, after all? She knew how stern he was, how unrelenting, and now she was absolutely in his power. "You spoke to my father of this when last you met him?" she asked, faintly. "Yes, we talked it over and arranged all plans. My arm is so badly shattered that I cannot go in command again, and so I am off duty, on a hospital furlough. We are to be married to-morrow night, if your father can get here, and then I am to take you to Havana." His words, so smoothly spoken, seemed to chill her very blood. She stared at him in increasing horror. "I--I will never consent--never!" she murmured, the words dying away in a faint whisper.