Page 233 - ramona-text

RAMONA 225

and dropped the little paper on the coverlet, just over
Felipe's feet. There was a risk that the Sefiora would come out
in the morning, before Felipe awaked, and see the note first;
but that risk she would take.
"Farewell, dear Felipe!" she whispered, under her breath,
as she turned from the window.
The delay had cost her dear. The watchful Capitan, from
his bed at the upper end of the court, had half heard, half
scented, something strange going on. As Ramona stepped out,
he gave one short, quick bark, and came bounding down.
"Holy Virgin, I am lost!" thought Ramona; but, crouching
on the ground, she quickly opened her net, and as Capitan
came towards her, gave him a piece of meat, fondling and
caressing him. While he ate it, wagging his tail, and making
great demonstrations of joy, she picked up her load again,
and still fondling him, said, "Come on, Capitan!" It was her
last chance. If he barked again, somebody would be waked;
if he went by her side quietly, she might escape. A cold
sweat of terror burst on her forehead as she took her first step
cautiously. The dog followed. She quickened her pace; he
trotted along, still smelling the meat in the net. When she
reached the willows, she halted, debating whether she should
give him a large piece of meat, and try to run away while he
was eating it, or whether she should let him go quietly
along. She decided on the latter course; and, picking up her
other net, walked on. She was safe now. She turned, and
looked back towards the house; all was dark and still. She
could hardly see its outline. A great wave of emotion swept
over her. It was the only home she had ever known. All she
had experienced of happiness, as well as of bitter pain, had
been there,—Felipe, Father Salvierderra, the servants, the
birds, the garden, the dear chapel! Ah, if she could have once
more prayed in the chapel! Who would put fresh flowers and
ferns in the chapel now? How Felipe would miss her, when
he knelt before the altar! For fourteen years she had knelt
by his side. And the Sefiora,—the hard, cold Seiiora! She
would alone be glad. Everybody else would be sorry. "They
will all be sorry I have gone,—all but the Sefiora! 1 wish it
had been so that I could have bidden them all good-by, and