Page:The Road to Monterey (1925).pdf/191

 "But you could not save me if they determined to have my life."

"We will go to the north, Helena, among your friends. In Sonoma the Americans have already raised a flag—do you know of this?"

"A flag? the American"

"Of the Republic of California."

"That will not do," she said, disappointed in the news. "California cannot stand as a republic."

"But the Americans will come; I am not deceived as my father is, Helena. I know they will come."

"Yes, they will come, Roberto."

"And all men may look for justice with good reason then. Your lands will be returned to you; mine, perhaps. Who knows?"

"Who knows?" she echoed.

"Doña Carlota wakes?" he whispered, straining against the bars, something in her tone that startled him.

"She sleeps on."

"We must hasten. You will come?"

"If I knew, if I knew, Roberto!"

"If you knew, my desired?"

"That you loved me—oh, Roberto! so much better than enough!"

"I'll prove to you by the devotion of my life"

"But now," she insisted, "but now. How am I to know this moment if you love me even well enough?"