am, well--philosophically happy. Some day I shall
be happier, but this is well enough. And I can har-
bor no ugly presentiments. As I entered California
I was elated with a sense of coming happiness, of
future victories; and I prefer to dwell upon that,
the more particularly as in a measure the prophetic
hint has been fulfilled. So make the most of the
present. I shall see you daily during this last
precious fortnight, for I am determined this
arrangement shall cease; and you must exorcise
coquetry and abet me whenever there is a chance
of a word alone."

She nodded, but she noted with a sigh that he
said no more of sudden flight. She would never
have consented to jeopardize the least of his inter-
ests, but she fain would have been besought.
The experience she had had of the vehemence
and fire in Rezanov made her long for his complete
subjugation and the happiness it must bring to her-
self. But as he smiled tenderly above her she saw
that his practical brain had silenced the irresponsible
demands of love, and although she did not with-
draw from his arms she stiffened her head.

"I fancy I shall return home to-morrow," she
said. "My mother tells me that she can live with-
out me no longer, and that Father Abella has re-
minded her that if I stay in the house of Elena Cas-
tro I shall be as free from gossip as here. I infer