ight have been.

"True, Padre--and I must try to love Diego--I know--though I hate him
as the devil hates the cross! Carmen would say that he was used by bad
thoughts, wouldn't she?"

"Just so. She would not see the man, but the impersonal thought that
seems to use him. And I believe she knows how to meet that kind of
thought."

"I know it, Padre. _Bien_, I must try to love him. I _will_ try.
And--Padre, whenever he comes into my mind I will try to think of him
as God's child--though I know he isn't!"

Jose laughed loudly at this. "_Hombre!_" he exclaimed. "You must not
think of the human Diego as God's child! You must always think of the
_real_ child of God for which this human concept, Diego, stands in
your consciousness. Do you understand me?"

"No, Padre. But perhaps I can learn. I will try. But Diego shall live.
And--_Bien_, now let us talk about the company of militia. But here
comes the Alcalde. _Caramba!_ what does he want?"

With much oily ceremony and show of affection, Don Mario greeted the
pair.

"I bring a message from Padre Diego," he announced pompously, after
the exchange of courtesies. "Bien, it is quite unfortunate that our
friend Rosendo feels so hard toward him, especially as Don Diego has
so long entrusted Carmen to Rosendo's care. But--his letter, _Senor
Padre_," placing a folded paper in Jose's hand.

Silently, but with swelling indignation, Jose read:

"Dear Brother in Christ: It is, as you must know, because of
our good Rosendo's foolish anger that I relieve him of the
embarrassment of my presence in Simiti. Not that I fear bodily
harm, but lest his thoughtlessness urge him to attempt injury
upon me; in which case nothing but unhappiness could result, as my
two negro servants would protect me with their own lives. I
rather choose peace, and to that end quietly depart. But I
leave behind my bleeding heart in the little Carmen; and I beg
that you will at once hand her over to the excellent Don Mario,
with whom I have made arrangements to have her sent to me in
due season, whether in Banco or Remedios, I can not at present
say. I am minded to make an excellent report of your parish to
Don Wenceslas, and I am sure he will lend you support in your
labors for the welfare of the good folk of Simiti. Do not forget
to include the little locket with Carmen's effects when you
deliver her to Don Mario. I assure you of my warm affection for
you, and for Rosendo,