s!"

* * * * *

Monsignor Lafelle found Mrs. Hawley-Crowles and her ward awaiting him
when his car drove up at two that afternoon. Carmen had not left the
house during the morning, for Elizabeth Wall had telephoned early that
a slight indisposition would necessitate postponement of the
contemplated ride.

"Well," reflected Carmen, as she turned from the 'phone, "one who
knows that God is everywhere can never be disappointed, for all good
is ever present." And then she set about preparing for the expected
call of Monsignor Lafelle.

When that dignitary entered the parlor Mrs. Hawley-Crowles graciously
welcomed him, and then excused herself. "I will leave her with you,
Monsignor," she said, indicating Carmen, and secretly glad to escape a
presence which she greatly feared. Lafelle bowed, and then waved
Carmen to a seat.

"I have come to-day, Miss Carmen," he began easily, "on a mission of
vastest importance as concerning your welfare. I have been in
Cartagena. I have talked with the acting-Bishop there, who, it seems,
is not wholly unacquainted with you."

"Then," cried Carmen eagerly, "you know where Padre Jose is? And the
others--"

"No," replied Lafelle. "I regret to say I know nothing of their
present whereabouts. Leave them with God."

"I have long since done that," said Carmen softly.

"It is of yourself that I wish to speak," continued Lafelle. "I have
come to offer you the consolation, the joy, and the protection of the
Church. Your great benefactress, Mrs. Hawley-Crowles, has found peace
with us. Will you longer delay taking a step toward which you are by
race, by national custom, and by your Saviour admonished? I have come
to invite you to publicly confess your allegiance to the Church of
Rome. You belong to us. A Catholic country gave you birth. Your
parents were Catholic. Your best friend, Mrs. Hawley-Crowles, is one
of us. Come," he said, extending his hands. "We need you. And you, my
daughter, now need the Church," he added with suggestive emphasis.

Carmen was not surprised. Mrs. Hawley-Crowles had hinted the probable
mission of the churchman, and the girl was prepared.

"I thank you, Monsignor," she replied simply. "But it is impossible."

"Impossible?" He arched his fine brows. "My child, it is quite
necessary!"

"Why, Monsignor?"

"For your eternal salvation," he replied.

"But I have my salvation, ever present. It is the Christ-principle."