"Oh, yes, I know; but please come at once, Teresa! It's all my fault! I
told her that Paula was coming and she is beside herself! But really and
truly I had no idea that she would take it that way!"

Teresa jumped up quickly, saying under her breath, "What next?" and then to
me, "You certainly are a troublesome youngster, my poor Lisita!"

"But Teresa, I vow to you...."

"Be quiet, and go back to Catalina's room! I'll be there as soon as I can!"

I left the kitchen well content. Teresa was not full of pretty phrases but
she had a heart of gold, and I knew that somehow or other she would be able
to fix things with Catalina. I found Rosa already in Catalina's room on my
return, trying in vain to calm her. She turned to me.

"What on earth has happened? I heard Catalina sobbing, clear at the other
end of the house. Are you responsible for this?"

"No, no, it wasn't I; it was Paula."

"Paula!"

I tried to explain, but at this minute Teresa entered, bringing with her a
plateful of delicious apples.

"Come, come, Catalina!" and her deep, sonorous voice seemed like soothing
balm, as her presence appeared to fill the room. "What on earth are you
crying about? It is but a short moment ago that I secured permission from