Don Esteban himself (who was greatly pleased with his daughter's betrothal to Carmen), prompted thereto by Juanita, entered the lists.

He expressed regret that he had not another daughter whom he could bestow upon me, and went even so far as to offer me land and to set me up as a Venezuelan country gentleman if I would consent to stay.
But I remained firm to my resolve.

For, albeit, none perceived it but myself I was in a false position.

Though I was hopelessly in love with Juanita I liked her so well that the contemplation of Carmen's happiness did not add to my own.

I thought, too, that Juanita guessed the true state of the case; and she was so kind and gentle withal, and her gratitude at times was so demonstrative that I feared if I stayed long at Naparima there might be trouble, for like all men of Spanish blood, Carmen was quite capable of being furiously jealous.
I left them a month before the day fixed for their marriage.