you and Senor Laffan to assist me in giving
Dona Dolores a serenade, as soon as the shades of evening come on. You
sing, and he plays the guitar. I understand that Dona Dolores is fond
of music, although she tells me that I trifle away my time by practising
it."

Uncle Richard laughed when Juan told him what he was going to do. "If I
were a bachelor I would accompany you, although such kind of singing as
yours is somewhat out of my way. I don't think, however, that the young
lady would be charmed by `Cease, rude Boreas,' `One night it blew a
hurricane,' `On board of the Arethusa,' or such other songs as I used to
sing afloat."

We had no difficulty in procuring a couple of guitars. Juan took one,
Mr Laffan the other, and as soon as it began to grow dark we set out.
We soon approached the front of Dona Dolores' residence. It was a
two-storied building, with a balcony on one side overhanging the road
some little way from the entrance-gate.

Juan and I were walking together, Mr Laffan bringing up the rear, when
suddenly the former stopped and grasped my arm. "I see some one on the
balcony," he whispered. "It must be she--how fortunate! She would
consider it rude to go away when once we begin; let us lose no time."

We cautiously approached.

"Suppose it is only her old duenna, Senora Ortes!"

"Nonsense!" answered Juan. "I can discern the outline of her figure; no
other form can possess such grace."

I thought that Juan's imagination assisted him in this respect, as I
could only just distinguish that a female was seated on the balcony. As
we drew near, however, I began to suspect that it was Dona Dolores
herself, but her head at the time was turned away, as if addressing some
one.

Stepping softly, so that we might not be discovered until we at once
burst into song, we approached the house. Juan led the way; I kept
close under the wall, having no guitar; while Mr Laffan stood at a
little distance. Juan gave the signal, and we commenced the song. It
was in praise of a lady resembling Dona Dolores in all particulars, and
the love and devotion of one whose affection she had won, but appeared
to regard with disdain.

Dona Dolores--for it was she--leaned her head on her hand as she
listened to the music, which was such as to attract any female ear. I
will not speak of my own powers; but Juan's voice was full and rich--
indeed, he was one of the best singers I ever heard; and Mr Laffan did
his part on t