“Just what did Maria tell you?" he asked softly. Carlos lowered his voice, "She says that she has

fallen in love with you. You make her heart feel happy, in a way that it never has before. Surely señor, knowing this, you will stay and marry Tis Maria?"

Trey hesitated. "She told you that?"

"Yes, Señor Trey. She whispered in my ear, so that Juan would not hear her. Now you must change your plans and stay with us."

Trey let out a sigh. "It ain't quite that easy, son. There are lots of other things to consider."

Carlos pinched his brow. "What other things?"

"It's hard to explain," Trey said. "Maybe when you're a little older, you'll understand. A man and a woman have to talk about lots of things before they become husband and wife.'

Then Carlos took a step closer to Trey, and there was a plea in his voice when he spoke. "Please talk to her, then. Talk about those things, so you can stay with us forever."

Trey chuckled softly. "Forever's a long time. And there's lots of things we'd have to talk about. But I'm glad you told me how she feels about me. I'll talk to her sometime, when we're alone."

Carlos smiled now. "Tonight would be a good time. After Juan and Señor Stiles are asleep," he said boldly.

Trey almost laughed out loud. "There'll be plenty of time for that," he said.”