" He paused impressively. "We face the greatest upheaval
of history."
"Then why are you here?" Alaire demanded. "This is no place for
you at such a moment."
Longorio came closer to her, and his voice trembled as he said:
"Angel of my soul, my place is at your side." Again she recoiled,
but with a fervor he had never dared display he rushed on
heedlessly. "I have told you I harken only to my heart; that for
one smile from you I would behead myself; that for your favor I
would betray my fatherland; that for your kiss I would face
damnation. Well, I am here at your side. The deluge comes, but you
shall be unharmed." He would not permit her to check him, crying:
"Wait! You must hear me through, senora, so that you may
comprehend fully why I am forced to speak at this time. Out of
this coming struggle I shall emerge a heroic figure. Now that
Mexico unites, she will triumph, and of all her victorious sons
the name of Luis Longorio will be sung the loudest, for upon him
more than upon any other depends the Republic's salvation. I do
not boast. I merely state facts, for I have made all my plans, and
tomorrow I put them into effect. That is why I cannot wait to
speak.
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