de and as attendant while
sick, and he has not attempted, as far as I have heard, either to
assassinate or poison him. This I take to be a striking proof of
meritorious moderation.'

''I fear, Adele, we are acting imprudently,' said Arthur, 'in intrusting
you to the tender mercies of such an unprincipled scoundrel, a man you
have seen but twice.

''Good heavens! dearest Arthur, would it be less imprudent for that man
Percival to find me here? I shudder to think of ever again meeting him;
and moreover, by flattering this Pepito and pretending to place entire
confidence in him, I shall win him to a devoted submission to my every
wish.'

'After a somewhat protracted but by no means important conversation, I
retired, promising to see them in the morning, previous to Adele's
departure.

XII.

'Shortly before the appointed hour, Pepito arrived, and announced that
all his preparations had been made. His fair charge quickly made her
appearance, dressed in complete Mexican costume. It suited her
remarkably well, and I was not surprised to observe the intense
admiration with which Pepito gazed upon her, for her beauty was truly
fascinating. Notwithstanding my suspicions of the absence of that inner
spiritual beauty which should adorn all female loveliness, I myself
could scarce resist the spell she exercised on my feelings, even in
spite of my judgment.

'Turning to Pepito, with a smile, she inquired gayly, 'Well, Senor, how
do you like my change of costume?'

'The Mexican replied merely by putting his hand on his heart, and bowing
almost reverentially.

'Having given Mr. Livermore an affectionate embrace, she exclaimed, in a
firm, determined voice: 'Let us be off: time is precious.'

'It had been arranged that I should accompany them until they were out
of the city. I therefore left Mr. Livermore alone, and followed the two
travelers. On reaching the street, Adele took the Mexican's arm; but as
they turned the corner of one of the streets running into the Cathedral
Square, I noticed that she raised her hood and lowered the veil attached
to it. Surprised at this apparently uncalled-for act of caution, I
inquired the reason.

''Do you not see Mr. Percival?' she exclaimed, in Spanish.

''Who is he? Is that the man you said you dreaded? that
melancholy-looking man, who is walking so moodily ahead of us?'
exclaimed Pepito. 'I must have a good look at him.'

''Be cautious, I beseech you; if he sees me, all is lost.'