in a low tone as they slowly returned to the house.

Meanwhile, Pereo's tall figure had disappeared in the shrubbery, to
emerge again in the open area by the summer-house and the old pear-
tree. The red sparks of two or three cigarettes in the shadow of
the summer-house, and the crouching forms of two shawled women came
forward to greet him.

"And what hast thou heard, Pereo?" said one of the women.

"Nothing," said Pereo, impatiently. "I told thee I would answer
for this little primogenita with my life. She is but leading this
Frenchman a dance, as she has led the others, and the Dona Amita
and her Raymond are but wax in her hands. Besides, I have spoken
with the little 'Ruja to-day, and spoke my mind, Pepita, and she
says there is nothing."

"And whilst thou wert speaking to her, my poor Pereo, the devil of
an American Doctor was speaking to her mother, thy mistress--our
mistress, Pereo! Wouldst thou know what he said? Oh, it was
nothing."

"Now, the curse of Koorotora on thee, Pepita!" said Pereo,
excitedly. "Speak, fool, if thou knowest anything!"

"Of a verity, no. Let Faquita, then, speak: she heard it." She
reached out her hand, and dragged Maruja's maid, not unwilling,
before the old man.

"Good! 'Tis Faquita, daughter of Gomez, and a child of the land.