From to-night we live together
again. It is not necessary now for you to earn money."
"I shall not come back to you. I have told you I hate you. It is your
own fault that I leave you."
"It will be my fault if you do leave me."
He pushed her on to the mattress and held her there.
"Let us talk," he said.
For a few minutes there was silence, and then he continued:
"Amos is dead, and our debts are paid."
"How did you pay them?"
"With this," and as he spoke he touched the handle of his knife. "Don't
shudder; he deserved it, and I shall be safe in a few days. These
affairs are quickly forgotten. Besides, there is another reason why we
should not live as we have lately been living."
Xantippe opened her eyes as she asked, "What reason?"
Gregorio relaxed his hold, for the memory of his loss shook him with
sobs. Cat-like, Xantippe had waited her opportunity and sprang away from
his grasp. The movement brought the man to his senses. He rushed at her
with an oath, waving the knife in his hand. Xantippe prepared to defend
herself. They stood, desperate, before each other, neither daring to
begin the struggle.
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