"Now, uncle," continued Yolanda, "all is ready: peacock, pheasants, wrens; and I command you to procure the guests." Castleman laughed at her imperious ways and said:-- "I will obey your commands in all else, Yolanda, but not in this." The girl, who was more excited than she appeared to be, stood for a moment by her uncle's side, and, drawing her kerchief from its pouch, placed it to her eyes.
"Every one tries to make me unhappy," she sobbed.

"There is no one to whom I may turn for kindness.

If you will not do this for me, uncle, if you will not bring him--them--to me, I give you my sacred word I will go to them at the inn.

If you force me to do an act so unmaidenly, I'll leave you and will not return to your house.

I shall know that you do not love me!" Castleman was not ready to yield, though he was sure that in the end he would do so.