open and another bare room with a long table laden
with savory food on a superb silver service was re-
vealed. "And if I know anything of women, I can
trust her--for as long as she may be necessary, at
all events."



III

"Santiago!" whispered Concha. "Do not go
down to the ship. Take me for a walk. I have
much to say."

Santiago, who had not been asked to form one of
the escort upon the return of the Russians to the
Juno for the night, felt injured and sulky and
deigned no reply.

"If you do not, I'll not braid your hair to-mor-
row," said his sister, giving his arm a little shake;
and he succumbed. The luxuriant tresses of the
male Arguellos were combed and braided and tied
with a ribbon every morning by the women of the
family, and Concha's fingers were the gentlest and
deftest. And Concha and Santiago were more inti-
mate than even the rest of that united family. They
had studied and read together, were equally dis-
satisfied with their narrow existence, ambitious for
a wider experience. Santiago consoled himself with