with poverty."

"Yes, they are extravagant. It is the more reason for me to remain
in your service."

"No, no! I tell you I'm bankrupt."

"So? Then the remedy is simple--sell a part of your land."

Although this suggestion came naturally enough, Dona Isabel turned
cold, and felt her smile stiffen into a grimace. She wondered if
Cueto could be feeling her out deliberately. "Sell the Varona
lands?" she queried, after a momentary struggle with herself.
"Esteban would rise from his grave. No. It was his wish that the
plantations go to his children intact."

"And his wish is sacred to you, eh?" Cueto nodded his approval,
although his smile was disconcerting. "An admirable sentiment! It
does you honor! But speaking on this subject, I am reminded of
that dispute with Jose Oroz over the boundary to La Joya. He is a
rascal, that Oroz; he would steal the sap out of your standing
cane if he could. I have promised to show him the original deed to
La Joya and to furnish him with the proofs about the boundary
line. That would be better than a lawsuit, wouldn't it?"

"Decidedly! But--I will settle with him myself."

Cueto lifted an admonitory hand, his face alight with the faintest
glimmer of ironic mirth. "I couldn't trust you to the mercies of
that rascal," he said, piously. "No, I shall go on as I am, even