'Ah, Senor,' she said, with almost mournful gravity, 'you seemed so
simple and good, and already you are trying to pay compliments--and
besides,' she added, brightening, with a quick upward glance, into
a smile, 'you do it so badly! English gentlemen, I used to hear,
could be fast friends, respectful, honest friends; could be
companions, comforters, if the need arose, or champions, and yet
never encroach. Do not seek to please me by copying the graces of
my countrymen. Be yourself: the frank, kindly, honest English
gentleman that I have heard of since my childhood and still longed
to meet.'

Harry, much bewildered, and far from clear as to the manners of the
Cuban gentlemen, strenuously disclaimed the thought of plagiarism.

'Your national seriousness of bearing best becomes you, Senor,'
said the lady. 'See!' marking a line with her dainty, slippered
foot, 'thus far it shall be common ground; there, at my window-
sill, begins the scientific frontier. If you choose, you may drive
me to my forts; but if, on the other hand, we are to be real
English friends, I may join you here when I am not too sad; or,
when I am yet more graciously inclined, you may draw your chair
beside the window and teach me English customs, while I work. You
will find me an apt scholar, for my heart is in the task.' She
laid her hand lightly upon Harry's arm, and looked into his eyes.
'Do you know,' said she, 'I am emboldened to believe that I have
already caught something of your English aplomb? Do you not
perceive a change, Senor? Slight, perhaps, but still a change? Is
my deportment not more open, more free, more like that of the dear
"British Miss" than when you saw me first?' She gave a radiant
smile; withdrew her hand from Harry's arm; and before the young man