Later Nostromo remarks that he cares nothing for his girls except insofar as they serve his reputation. While not quite gainsaying that remark, this instruction signals a greater attachment to Paquita than we might on the surface suspect. His relationship with Paquita, as I pointed out earlier , is a metaphor for the relationship between the People and the Rulers. Nostromo's current mission marks the apogee of his loyal dedication to the Rulers, and it is thus fitting that he should 'give his all' to Paquita.