He nodded with mock solemnity.
"That's it! You're a wise woman, Manella! That's why I'm here. Not tubercles on the lungs,--tubercles on the brain! Oh, those tubercles! They could never stand the Plaza!--the gaiety, the brilliancy--the--the all-too dazzling social round!..." he paused, and a gleam of even white teeth under his dark moustache gave the suggestion of a smile--"That's why I stay up here."
"You make fun of the Plaza"--said Manella, biting her lips vexedly--"And of me, too. I am nothing to you!"
"Absolutely nothing, dear! But why should you be any thing?"
A warm flush turned her sunburnt skin to a deeper tinge.
"Men are often fond of women"--she said.
"Often? Oh, more than often! Too often! But what does that matter?"
She twisted the ends of her rose-coloured neckerchief nervously with one hand.
"You are a man"--she replied, curtly--"You should have a woman."
He laughed--a deep, mellow, hearty laugh of pleasure.
"Should I? You really think so? Wonderful Manella? Come here!--come quite close to me!"
She obeyed, moving with the soft tread of a forest animal, and, face to face with him, looked up. He smiled kindly into her dark fierce eyes, and noted with artistic approval the unspoiled beauty of natural lines in her form, and the proud poise of her handsome head on her full throat and splendid shoulders.
"You are very good-looking, Manella"--he then remarked, lazily--"Quite the model for a Juno. Be satisfied with yourself. You should have scores of lovers!"
She stamped her foot suddenly and impatiently.
"I have none!" she said--"And you know it! But you do not care!"
He shook a reproachful forefinger at her.
"Manella, Manella, you are naughty! Temper, temper! Of course I do not care! Be reasonable! Why should I?"
She pressed both hands tightly against her bosom, seeking to control her quick, excited breathing.
"Why should you? I do not know! But I care! I would be your woman! I would be your slave! I would wait upon you and serve you faithfully! I would obey your every wish. I am a good servant,--I can cook and sew and wash and sweep--I can do everything in a house and you should have no trouble. You should write and read all day,--I would not speak a word to disturb you. I would guard you like a dog that loves his master!"
He listened, with a strange look in his eyes,--a look of wonder and something of compassion. There was a pause. The silence of the hills was, or seemed more intense and impressive--the great white cloud still spread itself in large leisure along the miles of slowly darkening sky. Presently he spoke. "And what wages, Manella? What wages should I have to pay for such a servant?--such a dog?"