window. Mary shivered as the piercing wind swept over her, and strove
in vain to suppress a fit of coughing. There was a moment's silence.

"You did not know me?"

Mary started. "I did not, till you spoke; but, Inez, what brings you
out on such a night?"

Inez took off the mantilla which had so effectually concealed her
features, and threw it round the frail, drooping form before her.

"No, no, Inez, you will take cold;" and Mary tendered it back.

It was tossed off contemptuously, and mingled with a bitter laugh came
the reply--"I am not cold, Mariñita, nor ever shall be but once again.
I am burning with an inward fire that will not be quenched"

"You are ill, Inez, and want some medicine; tell me where and how you
suffer?"

"No, no. I want nothing from you or yours: I come to help, not to
ask. Mary, why is it you have made me love you so, when I hate yonder
dark-eyed girl? But I am losing time. I come to warn you of danger,
and even now I am watched; but no matter, listen to what I have to
say. The Padre hates you, even as--as I hate him, and has sworn your
ruin. I tell you now you must fly from San Antonio, and fly quickly,
for danger is at hand. My countrymen are many here, and he is stronger
than all. You and I have thwarted him, and the walls of a far off
convent are our destination--you, and your cousin, and myself. I am
at heart no Catholic; I have seen the devil, if there be one, in my