he sparkling
expression of innocence, purity, and calm assurance that bubbled from
those red lips. And she was losing herself in contemplation of the
girl's luxuriant beauty, whose rich profusion her strange, foreign
attire could not disguise.

"Senora," said Carmen suddenly, "the people on the boat laughed at my
clothes. But I don't think them half as funny as that great black
bonnet you are wearing. Why do you wear it? I never saw one until I
was brought here."

It was said innocently, and with no thought of offense. But the woman
instantly roused from her meditation and assumed an attitude of
severe dignity. "Finish your breakfast," she commanded sharply. "And
remember after this that children's manners here are not those of your
country."

The girl fell quiet under the rebuke, and the meal ended in silence.
As they were rising from the table a cheery voice came from the outer
room, and presently a priest looked in.

"Good morning, Sister," he cried heartily. "Well, who's this?" as his
eyes fell upon Carmen. He was a young man, apparently still in the
twenties, of athletic build, inclined rather to stoutness, and with a
round, shining face that radiated health and good nature.

The Sister quietly returned his cordial greeting. "It is a little
waif," she said in answer to his query, "who strayed in here last
night."

"Aha," said the priest, "another derelict! And will you send her to
the orphanage?"

"I'm afraid if I do the little heretic will corrupt all the other
children," replied the Sister. "Father," she continued seriously, "I
want you to examine this child, and then tell me what you think should
be done with her."

"What is it--health?" asked the priest, studying the girl.

"No," replied the Sister; "but another priest has gone wrong, and
this," pointing to Carmen, "is the result of his pernicious
teachings."

The priest did not reply for some moments. Then he sighed wearily.
"Very well, Sister," he said in a low voice. "I will talk with her
after the service." He seemed suddenly to have lost his cheerfulness,
as he continued to converse with the woman on matters pertaining to
the institution.

Carmen, wondering and receptive, took the place assigned to her in the
chapel and sat quietly through the service. She had often seen Jose
celebrate Mass in the rude little church in Simiti, but with no such
elaboration as she witnessed here. Once or twice she joined in the
responses, not with any though