much inclined to press it to his lips, but he did not. The same favour
was extended to Jack. They were soon as much at home as if they had
known each other for months. Donna Katerina, however, as the elder lady
was called, monopolised her cousin Terence, naturally eager to hear
about Ballymacree, and the various members of his family. She charged
him to bring up his nephew the next day; and hearing that Lieutenant
Rogers had a brother on board, insisted that he must come also. Jack
had thus for some time the young ladies to himself; which were most
worthy of admiration he could not decide--they were all so charming; but
undoubtedly Miss O'Regan--her friends called her Stella--which sounded
more romantic to Jack's ears than her surname--was perfection or near
it.

A very pleasant afternoon was spent with music and singing, and
conversation, and a stroll in the shade under the lofty trees, between
which the breeze found its way, keeping the atmosphere tolerably cool
and agreeable. Jack and Terence thought that they should like, if not
to spend the rest of their days in so delightful a spot, to come back to
it some time or other; but they did not venture to hint at such a thing
just then. On returning to the house they found that Don Antonio, with
Colonel O'Regan and their own captain, had arrived. The latter seemed
as much struck with Stella as they had been, and they could not help
feeling a little jealous of him, though they need not have been so, as
he paid her no more attention than he did the other young ladies. He
gave them, moreover, leave to remain on shore, as he intended returning
on board, and he promised Donna Katerina to send up her young cousin,
and Tom Rogers the next morning. Several other gentlemen arrived, and
dinner was announced--a magnificent entertainment--plate and crystal and
sparkling wines in profusion, and all sorts of tropical delicacies.
Then came music and dancing--chiefly waltzes. The young Creoles swam
through the dances; Stella moved with more life in her than all of them.
Captain Hemming seldom danced. He could not resist the temptation
altogether, but he was engaged for the most of the evening in earnest
conversation with Colonel O'Regan. He returned to town in the carriage
of one of the guests, and soon afterwards the whole party retired to
rest.

As the lieutenants slept within earshot of the colonel they were unable
to discuss Stella--a great privation. Don Antonio was