"I think I understand," she said at last, taking Teresa's hands in
hers.

"It is better that it be ended here," said Teresa, "I have endured
it as long as I can. You have been good to me, and I want to say
good-bye while there is love for you in my heart. I am afraid to
stay near you--and him. Don't you see? I cannot go on in this way."

"Oh, Teresa!"

"Yes, yes, I know it is wrong, but how can I help it? I've loved
him ever since I first saw him--saved his life." Jane was astounded.
The thrust pierced her to the quick.

"Saved his life?"

"Yes, though he does not know it. It was when we were prisoners of
the Filipinos. My poor brother was dying. From the convent Aguinaldo
and his men were watching and directing the fight on the plaza.
They paid no attention to me--a girl. The noise of the fighting
men was terrible, and I climbed up to a window where I could see.
Sudrenly, below me, I saw two men fighting apart from the struggling
mass. In an instant it flashed through my mind that the Filipino
was overpowering the other--was going to kill him. Although I hated
them equally, there was something in the young soldier's face--I
could not see him murdered. I seized a pistol that was lying near
me and fired; the Filipino fell. In terror of the deed and fear
of discovery, I ran to my brother. In a moment the Americans broke
into the convent. You know the rest."