turned to Senora Barenna with his most reassuring smile.

'It is nothing, my dear Inez,' he said. 'In these times of trouble
the officials are so suspicious, and our dear Alcalde knows too
much. He remembers dear Julia's little affair with Esteban
Larralde, now long since lived down and forgotten. Larralde is, it
appears, a malcontent, and on the wrong side of the wall. You need
have no uneasiness. Ah! your nerves--yes, I know! A great
sufferer--yes, I remember. Patience, dear Inez, patience!'

And he patted her stout white hand affectionately.

The Alcalde was taking snuff with a stubborn air of disbelief,
glancing the while suspiciously at Conyngham, who had eyes for none
but Estella.

'Alcalde,' said General Vincente, 'the incident is past, as we say
in the diplomatic service; a lemonade now?'

'No, General, the incident is not past, and I will not have a
lemonade.'

'Oh!' exclaimed General Vincente in gentle horror.

'Yes, this young lady must give me the letter, or I call in my men.'

'But your men could not touch a lady, my dear Alcalde.'

'You may be the Alcalde of Ronda,' said Conyngham cheerfully, in
continuation of the General's argument; 'but if you offer such an