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There was a led with herself Then: "You took advantage of norance of business to robabout the Government officials: if they would make a law to fit my case they will make one to fit yours When I tell them what you have done perhaps you will not fare so ith the noith the desperation of one cornered

"Perhaps" Cueto shrugged "That is what I want to talk to you about, if only you will be sensible Now then, let us be frank Inasmuch as we're both in much the saely at his listener "Oh, I enerosity prorasping for too rown rich through your stealing" Isabel's voice had gone flat with consternation

"Rich? Well, not exactly, but coain "No doubt ry at my proposition, eh? Never mind You will think better of it in time, if you are a sensible woman"

"What a fiend! Have you no sentiment?"

"Oh, senora! I am all sentiment Don Esteban was my benefactor I revere his memory, and I feel it my duty to see that his family does not want That is why I have provided for you, and will continue to provide--in proper measure But now, since at last we enjoy such confidential relations, let us have no more of these et this unpleasant ood friends as before"

Having said this, Pancho Cueto stood silent a ible reply, he bowed low and left the roo, and the realization that she was helpless, nay, dependent upon his charity for her living, fairly crucified her proud spirit

All day she brooded, and by the ti came she had worked herself into such a state of nerves that she could eat no dinner Locking herself into her roo in agony upon her bed, now biting her wrists in an endeavor to clear her head and to devise so this treacherous overseer But er she pondered her situation the more she realized her own impotence There was no doubt that the courts were corrupt: they were notoriously venal at best, and this war had made them worse Graft was rampant everywhere To confess publicly that Esteban Varona had left no deeds, no title to his property, would indeed be the sheerest folly No, Cueto had her at his mercy