intervention. Not that that would weigh much with Maruja if she
took a fancy to any one; Spanish as she is throughout, in thought
and grace and feature, there is enough of the old Salem witches'
blood in her to defy law and authority in following an unhallowed
worship. There are no sons; she is the sole heiress of the house
and estate--though, according to the native custom, her sisters
will be separately portioned from the other property, which is very
large."

"Then the Captain might still make a pretty penny on Amita," said
the Scotchman.

"If he did not risk and lose it all on Maruja. There is enough of
the old Spanish jealousy in the blood to make even the gentle Amita
never forgive his momentary defection."

Something in his manner made the Scotchman think that Raymond spoke
from baleful experience. How else could this attractive young
fellow, educated abroad and a rising man in his profession, have
failed to profit by his contiguity to such advantages, and the fact
of his being an evident favorite?

"But with this opposition on the part of the relatives to any
further alliances with your countrymen, why does our hostess expose
her daughters to their fascinating influence?" said the elder man,
glancing at his companion. "The girls seem to have the usual
American freedom."

"Perhaps they are therefore the less likely to give it up to the
first man who asks them. But the Spanish duenna still survives in