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214 the old farmer, 'here is Juan Araquil with the portion of two thousand douros that you demanded as the condition of giving him your daughter. That which is promised should be performed. Do you consent to the marriage of Juan Araquil and your child?'

"Old Chegaray answered in a hoarse voice:

Yes!'

Juan Araquil,' said Garrido, "you consent to receive Pepa Chegaray as your wife?'

Yes,' replied Juan, in a tone of deep feeling.

"He had thrown into that yes the very essence of his being. The priest stood waiting, ready to give them his benediction.

Pepa Chegaray,' demanded Garrido, turning to the young woman, 'do you consent to receive Juan Araquil, who stands before you, as your husband?'

"Pepa advanced two steps toward Juan, cast her handsome black eyes upon him, and made answer:

No!'

"There was a stifled outcry among the crowd that filled the space behind the line of soldiers, an ominous oh! The soldiers stood motionless, watching the scene.

No,' repeated the young girl, raising her voice, 'I have sworn that I would marry no one but you, and having made that vow, I will marry no one. But never will I be the wife of a dastard!'

"Juan Araquil might have been taken for one bereft of reason, as he stood there looking at her; his face was haggard and drawn and as white as the priest's cope. Far, very far in the distance, from the depths of the valley, the assemblage could now hear the mournful sound of a bell as it rose and rose and swelled over