at her figure was superb; and that
she could command stateliness as well as vivacity moved her toward a
pedestal in his regard that had been occupied by few and never for long.

Rezanov, in his splendid uniform and blazing orders, filled the sala
with his presence as he walked past the rows of bright critical eyes
toward his hostesses. The young lips of the maids parted with delight
and the men frowned. For the first time William Sturgis felt the
sickness of jealousy instead of its not unagreeable pain. Davidov and
Khostov, both handsome and well-bred young men, were also in full naval
uniform, and by no means ignored; while Langsdorff, in the severe black
of the scholar, was an admirable foil.

Rezanov, wondering at the subtle change in Concha, bowed ceremoniously
and murmured: "You will give me the first dance, senorita?"

"Certainly, Excellency. Are you not the guest of honor?"

She motioned to the Indian musicians, fiddles and guitars fairly leaped
to position, and in a moment Rezanov enjoyed the novel delusion of
encircling a girl's floating wraith.

"We can waltz, you see! Are you not surprised?"

"It is but one accomplishment the more. I feared a preference for your
native dances, but ventured to hope you would teach me."

"They are easy to learn. You will watch us dance the contra-danza
after this."

"With whom do you dance it?"

Her black eyelashes were very thick; he barely caught the glance she
shot him.

"The Russian bear growls," she said lightly. "Did you expect to dance
every dance with me?"

"I came for no other purpose."

"You would have several duels to fight to-morrow."

"I have no objection."

"You have fought others, then?" Her voice was the softer with the
effort to turn its edge.

"No more than most men, I suppose. May I ask how many have been fought
for you?"

"My memory is no better than yours. Why should I burden it with
trifles?"

"True. It doubtless is charged with matters far more serious than the
desires of mere men. Tell me, senorita, what is your dearest wish?"
He had bent his head and fixed his powerful gaze on her stubborn
lashes. As he hoped, she raised startled eyes in which an angry
glitter dawned.

"My dearest wish? If I had one should I tell you? Why do you ask me
such a question?"

"Because I lit a candle at the Mission to-day that you might realize
it," he answered, smiling.

To his surprise he saw a flash of terror in her eyes before sh