to comprehend our situation.

"Bertrand," and he turned to one of his fellow-clerks, "please attend to
this young girl. I'll be back in a minute."

But "Bertrand" hardly had time to ask us what we wanted, when our first
friend returned, bringing with him a package under his arm.

"I had a look at your Teresa," he said, "and I think that an apron of this
excellent cloth will give her a thousand thrills. See, what beautiful stuff
it is."

Paula gave a nervous look toward the window before answering.

"No, she's not there," said the young man, divining her thoughts. "Not
finding you here, she's gone on a bit, but you can find her easily enough."

We were enchanted with the goods which he displayed, and we were soon
served, at not too great a cost.

"You have been very good to us, sir," said Paula, starting to go out. "We
have given you so much trouble, but when we wish to buy anything more, we
shall always come here, will we not, Lisita? In the meantime, many thanks,"
and she extended her hand to him with surprising self-possession.

"The pleasure is all mine," said the young man, and I could see that he'd
never met her like before.

Teresa was not far away, gazing into a jeweler's window. "At last, you're
here," she said amiably. "Now, we must hurry, for it is very late." She