“But it is not true,” maintained the girl, simply, and her eyes were as steady as altar flames.

“Eh?  Well!  He is in the barracks at this moment,” snarled Ramon, “and there he shall remain, I promise you, until he goes to Chiriqui or—­”

Gertrudis turned to her father.

“Take me to him, please.  I must go at once to the Carcel.”

But he only answered her with a stare of amazement.  “Go!” he murmured, after an instant.  “Have I lost my senses?” He began to summon his indignation for a terrific outburst.

“Yes, I must go, for he is my husband.  We were wed last night.”

There was a moment of absolute silence, during which the clatter of a passing coach sounded loudly in the room.  Then—­

“Mother of God!” the banker ejaculated, hoarsely, and sank into the seat from which he had arisen.  Ramon was staring from one to the other, his head turning jerkily.

The girl raised her face proudly.  “Yes!  I am his wife, although I had not expected to tell you so soon; therefore, you see I must go to him quickly, or he will think I believe these lies.”

“You are mad!  Do you know what you are saying?”

“Oh yes.  The judge from Colon married us during the dance.  I would have liked a church wedding; but that will come later.  The Senor Ronnels and his wife were there also, and they will tell you.  It made me very happy.  You see, I prayed the Virgin that I might be happy, and she heard.  Oh, I offered so many prayers, and all last night I lay awake giving thanks for my great happiness, which even yet I cannot believe.”  Her face was transfigured by a look that left the two men no choice but to believe.

“A civil marriage!” stammered Ramen.

“A civil marriage, indeed!” said Garavel, in a choking voice.  “So that is where you were when I believed you to be dancing!” He burst forth violently, pounding the table with his clenched fist until the dishes danced, his brilliant black eyes flashing beneath their thatch of white.  “But I will not have it, understand!  You are betrothed.  You have given your word to Ramon.”

“Ah, but I never loved him.  You compelled me to consent, because you said you could not be President unless I married him.  And that was not so.  Ramon deceived you.  Now it is all right.  You will be President, and I can be happy.”

Ramon’s suspicion kindled on the instant.  He turned upon the banker.  “So!  I begin to see!  That was a trick, then, to betray my father.”

“But wait!” Gertrudis exclaimed, sharply.  “Did you not trick us also?  Did you not use the General, your father, to make me give up the man I love?  Which of us, then, is the better?”

Andres Garavel spoke threateningly, menacingly, to his daughter.  “Enough!  Our word was given, and you have broken it!  You have brought disgrace to our name.  Can a Garavel be President of the Republic with his daughter wed to a murderer?”