en a
little more than the ordinary enthusiasm in the manner I pressed my lips
upon it, for _she_ blushed, and a little murmur ran round the circle.
The next moment we were whirling along in the waltz,--I, at least, lost
to everything save the proud pleasure of what I deemed my triumph. The
music suddenly changed to the fandango, of which dance I was a perfect
master; and now the graceful elegance of my partner and the warm
plaudits of the company called forth my utmost exertions. As for her,
she was the most bewitching representative of her native measure it is
possible to conceive, her changeful expression following every movement
of the dance: now retiring in shrinking bashfulness, now advancing
with proud and haughty mien, now enticing to pursuit by looks of
languishment, now, as if daring all advances, her flashing eyes would
almost sparkle with defiance.

What a terrible battery was this to open upon the defenceless breastwork
of a poor Irishman! How withstand the showering grape-shot of dark
glances?--how resist the assault of graces that lurked in every smile
and every gesture? Alas! I never attempted a defence; I surrendered, not
"at," but "without," discretion; and, tearing off the great embroidered
scarf which I wore, all heavy with its gold fringe, I passed it round
her taper waist in a very transport of enthusiasm.

While a buzz of approbation ran round the circle, I heard the words
uttered on all sides, "Destago!" "A forfeit!"

"I'll try his gallantry," said the girl, as, darting back from my arms,
she retired to the very verge of the circle, and, holding up the rich
prize, gazed at it with wondering eyes; and now exclamations of praise
and surprise at the beauty of the tissue broke from all in turn.

"The muchacha should keep the 'capotillo,'" said an old lynx-eyed
duenna, with a fan as large as a fire-board.

"A Caballero rich as that should give her a necklace of real pearls,"
said another.

"I 'd choose a mustang, with a saddle and trappings all studded with
silver," muttered a third in her ear.

"I 'll have none of these," said the girl, musing; "I must bethink me
well if I cannot find something I shall like to look at with pleasure,
when mere dress and finery would have lost their charm. I must have
that which will remind me of this evening a long time hence, and make me
think of him who made it a happiness; and now what shall it be?"

"His heart's blood, if that will content you!" cried the