Pray Heaven I have committed no fault.

Still it may be that the reputation of my gift hath reached the Father Superior, and he would advance me;" and Francisco's eyes lit up with youthful pride at the thought.
Not so Juanita.

Her black eyes snapped suddenly with suspicion, she drew in her breath, and closed her little mouth firmly.

Then she began a _crescendo_.
Mother of God! was that all?
Was he a child, to be sent away for such time or for such purpose as best pleased the fathers?
Was he to know no more than that?
With such gifts as God had given him, was he not at least to have some word in disposing of them?
Ah! _she_ would not stand it.
The boy gazed admiringly at the piquant energy of the little figure before him, and envied her courage.

"It is the _mestizo_ blood," he murmured to himself.