"
"But if papa says it is all right, it can't be so bad. Besides, father
loves her as much as you do."
Paula didn't answer me.
Soon the time came to start. Teresa started calling to one and another. One
had lost this thing, another had misplaced something else. My father
scolded and helped, at the same time trying to get us off. Then Rosa wasn't
ready and Louis, always unprepared, couldn't find his favorite blue
necktie. At last we were ready. The only thing that remained was to say
good-bye to Catalina. Louis, impatient to be off, performed that ceremony
quickly; Rosa who had reserved a surprise for the invalid, put a new book
into her hand as she kissed her; Teresa, as she embraced her in her turn,
left many instructions; then, as Paula came forward, we heard a sob as she
buried her face on my oldest sister's shoulder.
"What's the matter now?" said my father. An unintelligible sound was heard;
but Catalina understood and her eyes moistened with happiness. "Oh,
father," she said, "I know; she's crying on my account, she doesn't want to
leave me alone here." "Is that it, Paula?" questioned my father. "Yes,
please leave me here, uncle, I shall be so happy to be at Catalina's side
while you are gone.
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