hand in Luiz's death."

"That is what I think, but papa says it is only fancy; Manuel is too
upright to do such a treacherous thing."

A silvery laugh broke suddenly on the silence which had fallen between
them, and Savitre, leaning lightly on Panteleone's arm, stood before
them.

The rajah's young widow made a strange contrast to Lianor, gay with
rich colors.

Judging from Panteleone's ardent gaze, he, at least, saw some beauty
in the dusky, changing face.

"What, Sampayo! I did not know you were here," the young man cried
gladly, seizing Diniz's hand in a warm grip. "Have you brought good
news?"

"Yes, better than I expected," Diniz answered; and briefly recounted
the success which had attended his morning's search.

"I do not wish to meet your father to-night, Lianor; until this
business is settled, I could not enter into any amusement. First, I
will go to Henrique Ferriera, the magistrate, and arrange with him
about Jarima's capture."

"But you will come to-morrow, will you not--to tell me the result?"
Lianor asked anxiously.

"Assuredly; unless anything serious prevents me."

"Thank you," she murmured gratefully.

A kind hand-pressure from all, and Sampayo walked quickly away; while
Lianor, her heart somewhat lightened by this news, returned to her
father's guests with Satzavan.

Savitre would have followed, but Panteleone held her back with a few
whispered words, and, nothing loth, the little widow sauntered with
him through the shady grounds, apart from the rest.

"Savitre," Leone said suddenly, "would you be willing to leave your
country--to go with me to Portugal?"

Savitre gazed at him in some wonderment.

"Surely you are not thinking of leaving India?" she cried, a sudden
anxiety dawning in her dark eyes.

"Yes; my father wishes me to return, and as soon as Lianor is married
we are going."

The girl remained silent; only a few pearly tears rolled down her
cheeks.

"Savitre, dearest one, do not weep! Would it be so dreadful for you to
quit the country?"

"It is not that," with a stifled sob; "but I had not thought of your
leaving us, or the friendship between us being broken."

"Nor will it, my darling! Don't you understand? I love you too dearly
to give you up; I want you to be my wife, so that none can part us.
Say my hopes are not all in vain!"

A vivid flush mantled the clear, dark skin, and the lustrous eyes
drooped in confusion.

"You really mean that? You love me, a girl