ake an attempt to kidnap you."

"Is the most beautiful, adorable, and wholly desirable girl in the
world going to be one of the party?" inquired Myra, assuming an
innocent expression. "How interesting and exciting! Who is she? A
film star?"

"She is _you_, senorita," Don Carlos responded, "and let me remind you
that El Diablo Cojuelo almost makes a hobby of kidnapping beautiful
women. So you will be in danger all the time you are in Spain."

"I refuse to be dismayed--and I don't believe a word of it!" responded
Myra, with a silvery laugh. "I don't believe you keep a pet brigand
and outlaw on your estate, but even if you do, the prospect of being
kidnapped does not dismay me. The risk, if any, will add a spice of
adventure to the visit. But I can't believe you would let any brigand
steal me from your castle, Don Carlos, although you have threatened to
steal me yourself. Would you?"

"I promise you that El Diablo Cojuelo shall not steal you away from me
even if he captures you, senorita," Don Carlos replied. "I am glad you
are undismayed, and again I assure you I am honoured and flattered that
you have accepted my invitation to----"

"I regarded it more as a challenge than an invitation," interposed Myra.

"Really! Then I am more than honoured by your acceptance of the
challenge," resumed Don Carlos, his face crinkling into a smile. "I
wonder why you are condescending to be so gracious to me to-night,
Myra. Do I understand I am forgiven?"

"Perhaps I have really nothing to forgive, Carlos, and it was folly on
my part to take offence," Myra answered, with an alluring glance.
"Incidentally, it is nice of you to keep your promise not to make love
to me, but--but----"

She broke off as if at a loss. For once in a way Myra Rostrevor was
deliberately playing the part of coquette, and she saw Don Carlos's
eyes flame suddenly with ardour and expectation.

"You mean that you no longer hold me to my promise, Myra?" he asked,
scarcely above a whisper.

"No, I--I don't mean that, Carlos," murmured Myra, with eyes downcast;
"but--but you have only been coldly polite to me ever since you arrived
here, yet I have seen you making love to other girls. If you are in
love with me, and were not merely pretending----"

"I was not pretending, Myra," interrupted Don Carlos. "I love you with
every fibre of my being. It was only pretence where the other women
are--and were--concerned. I confess I tried to make you fe