nce. And as
mother wanted to come on this trip, I had to come too. I have an idea
they've made up a plan between them that I shall be left in peace till
Seville, if I behave myself. If they suspect who you really are, though,
it will be dreadful. I don't know what will happen."

"They can't make you marry Carmona," I said.

"No. How could they? such things can't be done nowadays; at least, I
suppose they can't; and yet, when people are strong and determined, and
unscrupulous too, one never knows what they may be planning, what they may
be capable of doing. Often, in the night, I try to think what they _could_
do, and tell myself they could do _nothing_, unless I consented, which, of
course, I never would. Oh, I shall be very happy and safe now. It will
even be amusing, or it would be if I were sure the Duke couldn't harm
_you_."

"He tried yesterday and failed," said I. "If he tries again, he'll fail
again. But for the present, he thinks it was a false alarm, and perhaps
believes I've stopped in Biarritz, sulking."

"It was dangerous for you to come," said Monica.

I laughed. "Don't I look like the sort of fellow who can take care of
himself--and maybe the girl he loves, too?"

"Yes, yes," she answered. "How I love you, and how proud I am of you. If
you should stop caring--if you should find it wasn't worth while--"

"We've too few moments together to discuss impossibilities."

"Ah, but you have known me such a short time. Suppose you should see
someone else--" and she glanced at Pilar's pretty, heart-shaped face, and
the velvet eyes raised in contemplation of a carved Madonna.

"There's nobody else but you in the world," I had begun, when Pilar
beckoned. "They're coming," she said. "You must be looking at this sweet
little panel, Lady Monica. Cristobal, go instantly and stare as hard as
you can at San Geronimo on the other side. See, that pet who is twisting
his dear feet."

It was thus they found us; the two girls chatting over the perfection of
the tombs of the constable and his wife; the soldier blind to the charms
of his sister's companion, and wrapped in reverent contemplation of a
wooden masterpiece.

"We were so stupid to lose you," said Pilar. "But we thought you'd be sure
to come back this way by and by."

XIV

SOME LITTLE IDEAS OF DICK'S

We said good-bye presently, still in the cathedral, all very polite and
conventionally interested in each oth