e, and to Ashby? I will soon find
out.

CHAPTER XLVI.

IN WHICH LOPEZ MAKES A FRESH ASSAULT, AND KATIE BREAKS DOWN UTTERLY.

Once more Lopez called upon Katie: it was about two hours after his last
call. This was his third call in one day. She looked surprised and also
vexed.

"A little matter has occurred to me," said he, "which I thought I would
mention to you, as it ought to be of some concern to you."

"Ah!" said Katie, languidly, as Lopez paused. She seemed to be more
indifferent, if possible, than ever; more self-absorbed, and more bored
with his society.

"It's about a certain Mr. Rivers," continued Lopez.

It was not without very careful premeditation that Lopez had entered upon
this interview, and the result of his thoughts was that he had decided
upon introducing this matter in the most abrupt manner possible. But in
all his speculations as to the possible effect of this new scheme, he had
never imagined anything like the reality as he now witnessed it.

At the mention of that name Katie's manner changed instantly and utterly.
From languor, from indifference, and from boredom, she started up erect
with wild excitement and terrified interest. In her face there was a
perfect anguish of fear and apprehension. Her eyes stared upon him in
utter horror; she gasped for breath, and it was not until some time that
she could articulate a few words.

"Mr.--Mr.--Rivers!" she gasped. "Did you say--Mr. Rivers?"

However amazed Lopez was at Katie's intensity of excitement, he made no
reference to it, and answered in a quiet and matter-of-fact tone.

"He said he was acquainted with you, and wanted to see you."

"To see me? Mr. Rivers?" said Katie, still agitated. "And can--can
he--will he--will you let him? Did you consent?"

"Well," said Lopez, "you see, there were reasons--"

"Reasons!" repeated Katie, all tremulously, and in dire
suspense--"reasons!" she waited his reply breathlessly. The thought of
Harry being in the power of Lopez, of the hate and malignant vengeance
which Lopez might pour forth upon his devoted head, had all occurred to
her at once at the mention of his name, and still overwhelmed her.

"In Spain, you know," said Lopez, "there is not such freedom of social
intercourse between young unmarried ladies and gentlemen as in England,
and I did not think that you would feel like violating our Spanish
etiquette."

"Spanish etiquette!" cried Katie, with nervous eagerness; "oh, that is