who is crying," said Concha. "It is my pleasure to
lead your excellency in to supper."

They sat side by side at the head of the long
table almost covered by the massive service of sil-
ver and loaded with evidences of Dona Ignacia's
generosity and skill; chickens in red rice and gravy,
oysters, tamales, dulces, pastries, fruits and pleasant
drinks. Luis, with Rafaella Sal dimpling and
sparkling at his side, and now quite resigned to the
semi-official nature of the ball, rose and drank the
health of the distinguished guest in long and flow-
ery praises. Rezanov responded in briefer but no
less felicitous vein, and concluded by remarking
that the only rift in the lute of his present enchant-
ing experience was the fear that whereas he had
nearly died of starvation several times during the
past three years, he was now threatened with a far
more ignominious end, so delicious and irresistible
were the temptations that beset the wayfarer in this
most hospitable land. Both speeches were gaily ap-
plauded, the conversation became animated and gen-
eral, and Concha dropped her voice to the attentive
ear beside her.

"You were very successful to-day at the Mission,
Excellency."

"May I ask how you know?"