discovered her among a group of other women, kneeling at
the foot of an opposite pillar.

"'There she is,' I whispered to my companion, who had knelt upon his
pocket-handkerchief.

"'Well, in a moment,' he replied. 'I'm in the middle of a crooked
Latin prayer just now, and have to tell you so in a parenthesis.'

"A turn came to the ceremonies, and all hands arose.

"'_Saecula saeculorum_,' muttered my companion, rising, 'Amen! now
where's your lady?'

"'Yonder, by the pillar,' I whispered, in a fit of ecstasy, for my
beautiful unknown in rising had recognized me, and given me another
thrilling glance from her dark eyes.

"'But there are a score of pillars all around us,' urged the stranger,
'point her out, senor.'

"'Well, then,' said I, extending my arm, 'there she is; you can't see
her face to be sure, but there can be only one such form in the world.
Isn't it splendid?'

"'There are so many ladies by the pillar that I cannot tell to a
certainty which one you mean,' whispered my would-be informant.
Stooping and glancing along my arm with the precision of a Kentucky
rifleman, I brought my finger to bear directly upon the head of the
unknown, who, as the devil would have it, at this critical juncture
turned her head and encountered the deadly aim which we were taking
at her.

"'That's she,' said I, dropping my arm, which had been sticking out
like a pump brake, 'that's she that just now turned about and blushed
so like the deuce--do you know her?'

"'Yes, but I can't tell you here,' was the laconic reply of my
companion; 'come, let's go. You are sure that is the lady,' he
continued, when we had gained the street.

"'Sure! most certainly; can there be any mistake about that face;
besides, didn't you notice how she blushed when she recognized me?'

"'Maybe,' suggested my new friend, 'she blushed to see me.'

"'Well,' said I, 'I don't know to be sure, but I think that the
emotion was on my account; but don't keep me in suspense any longer,
tell me who she is; can I get acquainted with her?'

"'Softly, softly, my friend, one question at a time. Step aboard my
volante, and as we drive down the street I'll give you the information
you so much desire. Will you get in?'

"I climbed aboard without hesitation, and was followed by my strange
friend; the postillion whipped up and we were soon under weigh.

"'Now,' resumed my companion, 'in reply to your first and oft-repeated
inquiry, I have the honor to infor