predestined fate; and in the very selfishness of his passion he
smiled at the mere material loss of lands and prestige that would
follow it. "Then the coyote has always preceded some change in the
family fortunes?" he asked, boldly.

"On my mother's wedding-day," said Maruja, in a lower voice, "after
the party had come from church to supper in the old casa, my father
asked, 'What dog is that under the table?' When they lifted the
cloth to look, a coyote rushed from the very midst of the guests
and dashed out across the patio. No one knew how or when he
entered."

"Heaven grant that we do not find he has eaten our breakfast!" said
Garnier, gayly, "for I judge it is waiting us. I hear your
sister's voice among the others crossing the lawn. Shall we tear
ourselves away from the tombs of our ancestors, and join them?"

"Not as I am looking now, thank you," said Maruja, throwing the
lace over her head. "I shall not submit myself to a comparison of
their fresher faces and toilets by you two gentlemen. Go you both
and join them. I shall wait and say an Ave for the soul of
Koorotora, and slip back alone the way I came."

She had steadily evaded the pleading glance of Carroll, and though
her bright face and unblemished toilet showed the inefficiency of
her excuse, it was evident that her wish to be alone was genuine
and without coquetry. They could only lift their hats and turn
regretfully away.

As the red cap of the young officer disappeared amidst the