tresses above her white forehead. Her lips were full and
rich, her eyes large and black, and her nose was thin and
high. The most marked feature of her face were the eyebrows,
which almost met over her nose. She had delicate hands and
beautiful arms which showed themselves to advantage as she
manipulated the cards. From the gorgeous coverlet her bust
rose like a splendid flower, and for an invalid she had a
surprising color. She was indeed, as Jennings had remarked,
like a tropical flower. But there was something sensual and
evil about her exuberance. But not a whisper had been heard
against her reputation. Everyone, sorry for the misfortune
which condemned this lovely woman to a sickbed, treated her
with respect. Maraquito, as some people said, may have been
wicked, but no anchorite could have led, on the face of it, a
more austere life. Her smile was alluring, and she looked
like the Lurline drawing men to destruction. Fortunes had
been lost in that quiet room.

When Jennings entered, Maraquito was opening a fresh pack of
cards, while the players counted their losses or winnings and
fiddled with the red chips used in the game. On seeing the
newcomer, Senora Gredos gave him a gracious smile, and said
something to the pale, thin woman in black who stood at the
head of her couch. The nurse, or duenna--she served for
both--crossed to Jennings as he advanced towards the buffet,
on which stood glasses and decanters of wine.

"Madame wishes to know why you have not brought Mr. Mallow."

"Tell madame that he will be here soon. I have to meet him in