ration there, and given other instructions regarding him to the
gaol-governor, who was one of his creatures.

After sitting for some time, as he stretched out his hand, and held the
end of his paper cigar to the red coals burning in a _brazero_ on the
table before him, the frown upon his features changed to a demoniac
smile. Possibly from the knowledge that this man was now in his power.
Sure was he of this; but what would he not have given to be as sure of
her being so too!

Whether his reflections were sweet or bitter, or which predominated, he
was not permitted longer to indulge in them. The door again opening--
after a tap asking permission to enter--showed the same aide-de-camp.
And on a similar errand as before, differing only in that now he placed
two cards on the table instead of one; the cards themselves being
somewhat dissimilar to that he had already brought in.

And with altogether a different air did Santa Anna take them up for
examination. He was enough interested at seeing by their size and shape
that those now desiring an audience of him were ladies. But on reading
the names, his interest rose to agitation, such as the aide-de-camp
never before had seen him exhibit, and which so much astonished the
young officer that he stood staring wonderingly, if not rudely, at the
grand dignitary, his chief. His behaviour, however, was not noticed,
the Dictator's eyes being all upon the cards. Only for an instant
though. If he gave ready reception to his late visitor, still readier
did he seem desirous of according it to those now seeking speech with
him.

"Conduct the ladies in," was his almost instantaneous command, as
quickly retracted. For soon as spoken he countermanded it; seemingly
from some afterthought which, as a codicil, had suddenly occurred to
him. Then followed a chapter of instructions to the aide-de-camp,
confidential, and to the effect that the ladies were not to be
immediately introduced. He was to keep them in conversation in the
ante-chamber outside, till he should hear the bell.

Judging by his looks as he went out the young subaltern was more than
satisfied with the delay thus enjoined upon him. It was aught but a
disagreeable duty; for, whether acquainted with the ladies who were in
waiting, or not, he must have seen that both were bewitchingly
beautiful--one being Luisa Valverde, the other Ysabel Almonte.

CHAPTER TWENTY.

A PAIR OF BEAUTIFUL PETITIONERS.

Soon as the