Page:The Bridge of San Luis Rey (Grossett & Dunlap).pdf/196

 “Uncle Pio, listen to me. You are mad if you think you can make me return to the theatre. I look back at the theatre with horror. Understand that. The theatre! The theatre, indeed! The daily payment of insults in that filthy place. Understand that you are wasting your time.”

He answered gently: “I would not have you come back if you are happy with these new friends.”

“You don’t like my new friends, then?” she answered quickly. “Whom do you offer me in their stead?”

“Camila, I only remember ”

“I will not be criticized. I don’t want any advice. It will be cold in a moment, I must go back to my house. Just give me up, that’s all. Just put me out of your mind.”

“Dear Camila, don’t be angry. Let me talk to you. Just suffer me for ten minutes.”

He did not understand why she was weeping. He did not know what to say. He talked at ran-