``Madame Alvarez needs no protection, as you were about to
say, Mr. Langham,'' he interrupted, quickly. ``Those who know
her could say nothing against her, and those who do not know her
would not so far forget themselves as to dare to do it. Have you
noticed the effect of the moonlight on the walls of the
convent?'' he continued, gently. ``It makes them quite white.''

``No,'' exclaimed Mr. Langham and King, hurriedly, as they both
turned and gazed with absorbing interest at the convent on the
hills above them.

Before the sisters went to sleep that night Hope came to the door
of her sister's room and watched Alice admiringly as she sat
before the mirror brushing out her hair.

``I think it's going to be fine down here; don't you, Alice?''
she asked. ``Everything is so different from what it is at home,
and so beautiful, and I like the men we've met. Isn't that Mr.
MacWilliams funny--and he is so tough. And Captain Stuart--it is
a pity he's shy. The only thing he seems to be able to talk
about is Mr. Clay. He worships Mr. Clay!''

``Yes,'' assented her sister, ``I noticed on the balcony that you
seemed to have found some way to make him speak.''

``Well, that was it. He likes to talk about Mr. Clay, and I
wanted to listen. Oh! he is a fine man. He has done more
exciting things--''

``Who? Captain Stuart?''