Cowed, but muttering wrathful words, the stricken wretch hurried out
of the apartment, into which Juanita instantly rushed.

"Magdalena, what means this?" she cried. "I heard you uttering fearful
threats against old Margarita. Calm yourself; you are strangely
excited."

"O Juanita, Juanita!" cried Magdalena, the tears starting from her
eyes, and wringing her fair hands. "If you knew all--if you knew the
wrong that woman has done me; but not now--not now; leave me, good
cousin,--leave me!"

"You are not well, dearest," said Juanita; "take my advice, go to bed
and repose. To-morrow you will be calm, and to-morrow you shall tell
me all."

"To-morrow! to-morrow!" muttered Magdalena. "Well, well; to-morrow you
will find me!"

"Yes; I will waken you, and sit at your bedside, and laugh your griefs
away. Good night, Magdalena!"

"Farewell, dearest!" said the heart-stricken girl; and Juanita left
the chamber.

Before a silver crucifix, Magdalena knelt in prayer.

"Father of mercies, blessed Virgin, absolve me of the sin--if sin it
be to rush unbidden to the presence of my Judge! My burden is too
great to bear!"