Little by little, in that face so altered by illness, he began to trace the well-known features.

In the tearful eyes devoid of eyelashes something reminded him of the blue eyes of the lost daughter.

The discoloured lips, surrounded by deep lines, quivered painfully, murmuring always the same word: "Pardon! pardon!" At the sight of such a wreck the father felt his courage fail; his eyes expressed an immense, an overwhelming sadness.
He retreated backwards to the door of the "habitacion," followed by the young woman, dragging herself on her knees and stretching out her hands.
"Brother, it is well," he said despairingly; "you are stronger than I am, let your will be accomplished.

Let her remain, as you wish it, but do not let me see her!--remain, both of you.

It is I that will go.".