tals of Chiquita's lips, revealing the pearly whiteness of
her teeth. Now that she realized the real cause of the Senora's anger,
it was impossible to become angry herself. The Senora, however, was by
no means abashed by Chiquita's indifference, and vigorously renewed the
attack.

"So our little ring-dove is in love, is she?" she continued mockingly,
strutting back and forth before her. "You think _Capitan_ Forest will
notice you in that finery--that he will fall in love with you and will
marry you, and that you will become a grand lady like the Senorita
Lennox and ride in a fine carriage for the rest of your days. _Mercedes
Dios!_ and all because you have succeeded in turning the heads of a few
country bumpkins that hang about the place casting sheep's-eyes at you.
Ha, ha, ha!" she laughed derisively. "Believe me, when _Capitan_ Forest
makes up his mind to marry, he will not stoop so low to pick up so
little."

"Dona Fernandez!" said Chiquita sharply rising from the bench with an
ominous look in her eyes.

"Foolish child," Senora went on without heeding her, "to imagine that
some day your hands will be white like a lady's! I suppose you have
nothing further to do to-day but to pick flowers?" she added, pausing
for breath.

"I have never worried about my color, Dona Fernandez," replied Chiquita
indignantly. "Indeed, I sometimes think it holds its own better than
that of some persons I might mention."

"Holy Mother! how your tongue runs on! Am I not to be allowed to say
anything? Oh, you do not deceive me! I saw you give him the rose as I
came here. If he's sensible, he'll throw it away."

Chiquita laughed derisively. "Perhaps it is well for the world that all
people are not so sensible as you are, Dona Fernandez," and her fan
closed with a sudden snap. "So this is the advice you came to give me,
Dona Fernandez? How very considerate of you!"

Her words recalled the Senora to the purpose of her coming. For some
time she paced up and down before Chiquita without replying. Then
stopping and facing her, and watching closely for the effect her words
would have upon her, she said: "I came to tell you--that Don Felipe
Ramirez has returned."

Chiquita started. "Don Felipe here?"

"Aye. He's stopping at my house, and I came to warn you that perhaps it
would be well to be cautious and exercise a little more self-control
than is your wont when in his and _Capitan_ Forest's presence."

The Senora was satisfied with her