here, no?"

"I feel ten years younger than I did a quarter of an hour ago. There
was a time--alas!--when I could stand the suns of California for six
hours at a stretch, but--"

"Ay, yes, we grow more old every year. Is twenty now since we _merienda_
all day and dance all night--when I am a visitor here, no more; and you
are the thin boy with the long arms, and legs, and try to grow the
mustache."

It was the first time she had ever referred to their youth, and he
stared at her. But her face was as placid as if she had been helping him
to chicken with Chile-sauce, and he wondered if it could change.
Involuntarily he glanced at the portrait. It seemed alive with
expression, and--the room was almost dark--he fancied the eyes were
tragic.

"How can she stand it?" he thought. "How _can_ she?"

"You are improve," she continued politely. "The American mens no grow
old like the Spanish--or like the women that have ten children and get
so stout and have the troubles--"

"You have retained much, Senora," exclaimed Talbot, blundering over the
first compliment he he had paid her in twenty years.

She smiled placidly and moved her head gently; the word "shake" could
never apply to any of her movements. "I have the mirror--and the
picture. And I no mind, Don Juan. When the woman bury the six children,
no care si she grow old. The more soon grow old the more soon die and
see the little ones--am always very fond of Enrique also," she added,
"but when am young love more. He is very good man always, but he grow
old like myself and very fat. Only you are improve, my friend. That one
reason why always I am so glad to see you. Remind me of that time when
all are young and happy."

Old Marcia announced dinner, and Talbot sprang to his feet with a
sensation of relief and offered the Senora his arm. She made no further
references to their youth during the excellent and highly seasoned
repast, but discussed the possibilities of the crops and listened with
deep attention to the political forecast. She knew that politics were
becoming the absorbing interest in the life of her friend, and although
she also knew that they would one day put a continent between herself
and him, she had long since ceased to live for self, and never failed to
encourage him.

When the last _dulce_ had been eaten they went out upon the veranda and
talked drowsily of minor matters until both nodded in their comfortable
chairs, and finally fell asleep.

For