When Madame Alvarez and the two sisters had joined the men, they
all walked together to the terrace, and the visitors waited until
the President and his wife should take their departure. Hope
noticed, in advance of the escort of native cavalry, an auburn-
haired, fair-skinned young man who was sitting an English saddle.

The officer's eyes were blue and frank and attractive-looking,
even as they then were fixed ahead of him with a military lack of
expression; but he came to life very suddenly when the President
called to him, and prodded his horse up to the steps and
dismounted. He was introduced by Alvarez as ``Captain Stuart of
my household troops, late of the Gordon Highlanders. Captain
Stuart,'' said the President, laying his hand affectionately on
the younger man's epaulette, ``takes care of my life and the
safety of my home and family. He could have the command of the
army if he wished; but no, he is fond of us, and he tells me we
are in more need of protection from our friends at home than from
our enemies on the frontier. Perhaps he knows best. I trust
him, Mr. Langham,'' added the President, solemnly, ``as I trust
no other man in all this country.''

``I am very glad to meet Captain Stuart, I am sure,'' said Mr.
Langham, smiling, and appreciating how the shyness of the
Englishman must be suffering under the praises of the Spaniard.
And Stuart was indeed so embarrassed that he flushed under his
tan, and assured Clay, while shaking hands with them all, that he
was delighted to make his acquaintance; at which the others
laughed, and Stuart came to himself sufficiently to laugh with
them, and to accept Clay's invitation to dine with them later.