and she was quite unable to read, yet her power of extended vision was
wonderful.

Lately, I had cherished the thought of having Ysidria go to Santa Clara,
or even to Mexico, to be under the care of some experienced occulist,
and the fear of her becoming blind, when it might be too late to have
anything done, made me very anxious, and Pedirpozza, whom I might have
called, had gone for a time to the Colorado country.

The day before this, on which I met Ysidria in the mountains, I had
spoken to Madre Moreno of the subject nearest my heart. I had spoken but
a few words when she said:

"Thou needst not go any further, Señor Carlos, I know thy thoughts and
have read them for a long time. Thou hast no one to ask for Ysidria but
herself and the old witch, who is her only relative. I give my consent."

I was so delighted that I could only express myself by kissing the
forehead of Madre Moreno.

"Be careful my Señorito!" she cried starting back and then laughing, "be
careful how thou kissest the love of el bueno Diablo, or he may be
jealous and play thee a bad trick."

I always hated the Madre when she laughed, and I hurried away.

In about ten minutes Ysidria reached the path where I was waiting, it
having been necessary for her to come by a circuitous trail.

"You are out early," I exclaimed.