She laughed and left the room. Presently returning, she handed me a
packet of the confections and with a mocking smile said: "Make thy
husband happy while these sweets last; they are my wedding present
to thee." She left me. I know the terrible power this drug has over
me, and nothing can ever cure. Even if the habit be not indulged
in, I have gone so far that my existence would be worse than death.
I will not make your life miserable; the dread of being blind is
nothing to this. May the Holy Mother forgive me for all I have been
the cause, innocent as I am, of bringing upon you. I love you too,
too well, and it is thus that I destroy Ambrosia Moreno's curse. No
more shall misfortune come upon you or yours, for with my life I
have bought your freedom, I have gone to the old adobe, and this
wedding gift of Ambrosia shall be my means of saving you. May good
St. Joseph shield you and all the Saints bless you. I will meet you
in the morning, Carlos, as I promised. Thank you deeply, heartily,
for your love, and when some time you are happily wedded, think of
Ysidria, and teach your wife to bless her for her love for you. One
last request. Give whatever I have to the good sisters in the
convent to take care of the statue of Our Lady of Santa Clara, and
ask them to keep me in their prayers.

YSIDRIA.




IX.


I quickly mounted my mare and galloped down the road and over the hill