"It is no sacrifice to love and obey my father," came a low
murmur from the former governor's shoulder.
"Since the world began it has been the law of life that the young
should leave their parents for a home of their own," Juan
protested.
"So the Scripture says," agreed Megales sardonically. "It further
counsels to love one's enemies, but, I think, omits mention of
the enemies of one's father."
"Sir, I am not your enemy. Political exigencies have thrown us
into different camps, but we are not so small as to let such
incidentals come between us as a vital objection in such a
matter."
"You argue like a lawyer," smiled the governor. "You forget that
I am neither judge nor jury. Tyrant I may have been to a fickle
people that needed a firm hand to rule them, but tyrant I am not
to my only daughter."
"Then you consent, your excellency?" cried Valdez joyously.
"I neither consent nor refuse. You must go to a more final
authority than mine for an answer, young man."
"But you are willing she should follow where her heart leads?"
"But certainly."
"Then she is mine," cried Valdez.
"I am not," replied the girl indignantly over her shoulder.
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