"It is Benicia," she said. "It is because she was cursed and is with
child that they cross themselves."
Brotherton held her arm closely and laid his hand on hers, but he spoke
sternly.
"The curse is not likely to do her any harm. You prayed that she should
die when happiest, and you have done your best to make her wretched."
She did not reply, and they walked slowly onward. Benicia followed,
leaning on the arm of an Indian servant. Her friends avoided her, for
they bitterly resented Altimira's death. But she gave them little
regret. Since her husband could not be with her on this Christmas eve,
she wished only for reconciliation with her mother. In spite of the
crowd she followed close behind Dona Eustaquia and Brotherton, holding
her head proudly, but ready to fall at the feet of the woman she
worshipped.
"My friend," said Dona Eustaquia, after a moment, "perhaps it is best
that I do not forgive her. Were she happy, then might the curse come
true."
"She has enough else to make her unhappy. Besides, who ever heard of
a curse coming true? It has worked its will already for the matter of
that.
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