She covered little Manuelito with kisses, and then pushed him gently over to Wilhelm, in whom the most conflicting emotions were struggling for the mastery.

It was impossible to feel any ill-will toward this captivating mite with the dark Bronzino face, and yet to Wilhelm he seemed to represent a distinct act of treachery.

How could she have been so underhand as to hide the fact from him that her connection with the fashion-plate diplomat had not been without results! He made as if to draw away from the boy, who stood staring nervously at him, but the next moment his natural love of children prevailed, and he clasped the sweet little fellow to his breast.
"Such a lovely child!" he said, "and so young, and in need of a mother's care.

Why does it not live with you ?" "He lives with a sister of his father," she answered, hardly above her breath.
"And you let it go ?" "The father would not let me keep it.

And I could not do anything against it because--it is not registered as my child, and does not bear my name." The past, to which Wilhelm and Pilar had closed their eyes till now, presented itself that afternoon in incontestably lively form before them.