"No," cried Lucia.
"You mean you wish to stay married wiz one man?"
"Ye-es," Lucia faltered.
"Never no life? Never no fun? Ha! If you was old, fat--zen, perhaps. But
young, beautiful! For why was you born if you no wish to leeve?"
"But I do wish to live!" Lucia cried in desperation; and her hands went out
in an attitude of supplication.
Lopez appraised her once more. "But when I come along an' show you 'ow you
raise 'ell and say no. Ees great honor to be took by Pancho Lopez into
Mexico. Like 'ow you say, ze decoration for ze chest," and he indicated the
spot on his coat where a war medal might be placed.
Just then, to Lucia's relief, the cook came in, bearing a tray laden with
chile con carne, bread and butter, and sugar, and placed it on the table.
His fright was still evident. His hands trembled, his legs shook.
"Ah! Ze food!" Pancho cried. "Good! Put zem zere!" he ordered; and the cook
placed the tray closer to him. Then he turned to Lucia Pell. "You shall
wait on me," he told her, as though he were conferring the greatest honor
upon her.
Angela came close to him, eager again to please him. He merely pushed her
to one side, and had eyes only for Lucia.
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