if she were to
spend it with him? Whatever trouble she and Felipe might have to face,
would she not prefer to face it with him rather than have him leave her
alone?

"I cannot bear to deceive Mrs. Burton, Felipe. I owe her so much; she
has been kinder than I have ever told you, kinder than perhaps you
imagine. Besides, I care for her a great deal and I don't see how such a
difficult idea as you have suggested can ever be arranged."

In Gerry's last words lay her confession. Felipe had triumphed. Had she
tried she might have persuaded him to face his obligation, to make the
sacrifice of himself which his country demanded. She was not equal to
the test.

"But I do know how to manage," Felipe answered. "And I shall be very
careful. I understand certain things better than you do. I have an old
nurse who is married and lives not far away. She will come with us and
stay with you until the ceremony is over. Afterwards she will return and
explain what we have done to Mrs. Burton and my father. You can write
and beg Mrs. Burton to forgive you; she will after a time, I am sure. We
will be so happy, Gerry dear. I have plenty of money, as I drew all I
possessed out of the bank this afternoon. I am sure it will last us for
a time and then I can get hold of more."

The thing which Gerry and Felipe were planning to do was not only a
foolish thing; it held dishonor and sorrow, and yet neither of them at
the time seemed to appreciate this.

"Be ready the day after tomorrow, please, Gerry. I'll ask Mrs. Burton to
allow you to go for a walk or a drive with me. I promise you there shall
be no difficulties. But, quick, good-night; some one is coming."

Mrs. Burton herself was walking down the beach toward them. "Come,
Gerry, please, it is time you were in bed. I was frightened when I found
you were not with the other girls. Felipe, I don't think it quite fair
of you to have kept Gerry away from us so long. Will you thank your
father for the roses he sent me tonight?"

Felipe held out his hand.

"You are awfully kind, Mrs. Burton, and I do deserve a scolding. Gerry
and I had not realized how long we had been talking, as there are so
many things we like saying to each other. Will you forgive me and let me
come back soon again?"

Mrs. Burton put her arm about Gerry.

"Not too soon, please, Felipe. Goodnight."

CHAPTER XVI

Gerry's Opportunity

The next day, weary from the long strain of the rehearsals and the final
p