than herself had it not been for an already shape-
less figure. "I can take you to-morrow to see them
if you wish."

She had cast down her eyes and her face was
white. Still he groped on.

"Pardon me if I say that I am surprised your
parents should permit such a woman as this Rosa
to attend you. Why should your happy life be dis-
turbed by the lamentations of an abandoned crea-
ture--who can do you no good, and possibly much
harm?"

Still Concha did not raise her eyes. "I do not
think poor Rosa would do anyone harm. But per-
haps it were as well she went elsewhere. We have
had her long enough. I have taken a dislike to her.
I reproach myself bitterly, but I cannot help it. I
should like never to see her again."

"What has she told you?" Concha glanced up
swiftly. His eyes were blazing. She felt quite cer-
tain that he rolled a Russian oath under his tongue,
and she made a slight involuntary motion toward
him, her lips trembling apart.

"Nothing," she murmured. "I do not know--I
do not know. But I no longer wish her near me.
She--life is very strange and terrible, senor. You