what he beheld in fancy throughout
his long, delirious dream--the fair form and beautiful face that so much
interested him, even in that hour when life seemed to be forsaking him.
It is the angel of the desert, no longer in huntress garb, but dressed
as a lady.

There is a red tinge upon her cheek, that appears to have flushed up
suddenly, as if suspecting her soliloquy has been heard. The words have
but parted from her lips, and the thought is yet thrilling in her heart.

Can he have heard it? He shows no sign.

She approaches the couch with a look of solicitude, mingled with
interrogation. A hand is held out to her, and a word or two spoken to
say she is recognised. Her eyes sparkle with joy, as she perceives in
those of the invalid that reason is once more seated on its throne.

"I am so happy," she murmurs, "we are all so happy, to know you are out
of danger. Don Prospero says so. You will now get well in a short
time. But I forget; we were to give you something as soon as you should
awake. It is only some wine. Conchita, come hither!"

A young girl is seen stepping into the chamber. A glance would tell her
to be the maid, if the overheard conversation had not already declared
it. A little brown-skinned damsel, scarce five feet in height, with
raven hair hanging in double plait down her back, and black eyes that
sparkle like those of a basilisk.

Provident Conchila has brought the bottle and glass with her, and a
portion of the famed grape juice of El Paso is administered to the
invalid.

"How good and kind you've all been!" he says, as his head once more
settles down upon the pillow. "And you especially, senorita. If I
mistake not, I'm indebted to you for the saving of my life."

"Do not speak of that," she rejoins; "I've shown you no kindness in
particular. You would not have one leave a fellow creature to perish?"

"Ah! but for you I should now have been in another world."

"No, indeed. There you are mistaken. If I had never come near you,
you'd have been saved all the same. I have good news for you. Your
comrade is safe, and here. He returned to your trysting-place, with
both food and drink; so, as you see, I have no merit in having rescued
you. But I must not talk longer. Don Prospero has given instructions
for you to be kept quiet. I shall bring the doctor at once. Now that
you are awake it is necessary he should see you."

Without waiting for a reply, she glides out of the r