m of which she was fully aware, and a cool
coquetry which piqued and fired the young men, who were used to more
sentimental flirtations.

She danced as airily as a flower on the wind, but with untiring
vitality.

"Senorita!" exclaimed Don Carmelo Pena, "thou takest away my breath.
Dost thou never weary?"

"Never. I am not a man."

"Ay, senorita, thou meanest--"

"That women were made to make the world go round, and men to play the
guitar."

"Ay, I can play the guitar. I will serenade thee to-morrow night."

"Thou wilt get a shower of ashes for thy pains. Better stay at home, and
prepare thy soul with three-card _monte_"

"Ay, senorita, but thou art cruel! Does no man please thee?"

"_Men_ please me. How tiresome to dance with a woman!"

"And that is all the use thou hast for us? For us who would die for
thee?"

"In a barrel of aguardiente? I prefer thee to dance with. To tell the
truth, thy step suits mine."

"Ay, senorita mia! thou canst put honey on thy tongue. God of my life,
senorita--I fling my heart at thy feet!"

"I fear to break it, senor, for I have faith that it is made of thin
glass. It would cut my feet. I like better this smooth floor. Who is
that standing by the window? He has not danced to-night?"

"Don Pablo Ignestria of Monterey. He says the women of San Luis are not
half so beautiful nor so elegant as the women of Monterey; he says they
are too dark and too small. He does not wish to dance with any one; nor
do any of the girls wish to dance with him. They are very angry."

"I wish to dance with him. Bring him to me."

"But, senorita, I tell thee thou wouldst not like him. Holy heaven! Why
do those eyes flash so? Thou lookest as if thou wouldst fight with thy
little fists."

"Bring him to me."

Don Carmelo walked obediently over to Don Pablo, although burning with
jealousy.

"Senor, at your service," he said. "I wish to introduce you to the most
charming senorita in the room."

"Which?" asked Ignestria, incuriously.

Don Carmelo indicated Eulogia with a grand sweep of his hand.

"That little thing? Why, there are a dozen prettier girls in the room
than she, and I have not cared to meet any of them!"

"But she has commanded me to take you to her, senor, and--look at the
men crowding about her--do you think I dare to disobey?"

The stranger's dark gray eyes became less insensible. He was a handsome
man, with a tall figure, and a smooth strong face; but about him hung
the i