men."

Again he paused, arranging his papers.

"The Majorcan system 'rotas' is known to your excellency?"

"No, senor."

"On this system an estate is made over for one or two or three
generations by the proprietor to the lessee who farms or sublets the
land, and in lieu of rent hands over to the proprietor a certain
proportion of the crops. Does your excellency follow me?"

Eve did not answer at once. Then the lawyer's meaning seemed to
dawn upon her.

"Then," she said, "the Casa d'Erraha never belonged to my father?"

"Never"--with a grave bow.

"And I have nothing--nothing at all! I am penniless?"

The lawyer looked from her to Fitz, who was standing beside her
listening to the conversation, but not offering to take part in it.

"Unless your excellency has private means--in England, perhaps."

"I do not know--I know nothing. And we must leave the Casa
d'Erraha. When, senor? Tell me when."