ly, 'Don Gomez de Montesma, I don't want you here, and I must
request you to transfer yourself elsewhither.'

Lesbia's feelings were curiously different. The very sight of that
nervous brown hand upon the rope just now had sent a strange thrill
through her veins. She who believed herself heartless could scarce trust
herself to speak for the vehement throbbing of her heart. A sense of joy
too deep for words possessed her as she reclined in her low chair, with
drooping eyelids, yet feeling the fire of those dark southern eyes upon
her face, scorching her like an actual flame.

'Lady Lesbia, may I have a cup of tea?' he asked; not because he wanted
the tea, but only for the cruel delight of seeing if she were able to
give it to him calmly.

Her hands shook, fluttered, wandered helplessly, as she poured out that
cup of tea and handed it to Montesma, a feminine office which she had
performed placidly enough for Mr. Smithson. The Spaniard took the cup
from her with a quiet smile, a subtle look which seemed to explore the
inmost depth of her consciousness.

Yes, this man was verily her master. She knew it, and he know it, as
that look of his told her. Vain to play her part of languid
indifference--vain to struggle against her bondage. In heart and spirit
she was at his feet, an odalisque, recognising and bowing down to her
sultan.

Happily for the general peace, Mr. Smithson had been looking away
seaward, with a somewhat troubled brow, while that little cap and saucer
episode was being enacted. And in the next minute Lesbia had recovered
her self-command, and resumed that graceful languor which was one of her
charms. She was weak, but she was not altogether foolish; and she had no
idea of succumbing to this new influence--of yielding herself up to this
conqueror, who seemed to take her life into his hand as if it were a bit
of thistledown. Her agitation of those first few minutes was due to the
suddenness of his appearance--the reaction from dulness to delight. She
had been told that he was not to be at Cowes till Monday, and lo! he was
here at her side, just as she was thinking how empty and dreary life was
without him.

He dropped into his place so naturally and easily, made himself so
thoroughly at home and so agreeable to every one, that it was almost
impossible for Horace Smithson to resent his audacity! Mr. Smithson's
vitals might be devoured by the gnawing of the green-eyed monster, but
however fierce that gnawin