her
to-day, I have been deeply interested, and that I ardently desire her
acquaintance.'

"'Why, senor, in that case, I should reply, that my sister is very
highly honored by your favorable notice, and that I should do my
possible to make you know each other better. If,' he continued, 'the
case you have supposed be the fact, I think I can manage this matter,
her old janitor to the contrary notwithstanding.'

"'I do say, then,' I replied, with enthusiasm, 'that the sight of
Donna Clara has excited emotions in my bosom I have never felt before.
I shall be the happiest man in the world to have the privilege of
knowing her.'

"'Attend, then. Don Carlos is absent at Havana, and will probably
remain so for a few days, until his wrist gets well; in the meantime,
his sister acts as duenna over Donna Clara. She is quite a nice old
lady, however, and allows my sister far greater liberty in her
brother's absence than ordinarily, as, for instance, to-day. I will
get her to permit Clara to spend a few days at my villa down the
bay--Alvarez himself would not dare to refuse this request, if--' my
companion stopped short, and his brow clouded. 'But I forget the best
of the matter,' he continued a moment after, in a lively tone. 'Senor,
you will dine with me to-morrow, and spend a day or two with me. I
keep bachelor's hall, but I have an excellent cook, and some of the
oldest wine in Cuba. Beside, you will see my sister. Will you honor
me, Mr. Stewart?'

"I was transported, 'Senior,' I cried, 'if Capt. Hopkins--'

"'Oh! a fig for Hopkins,' shouted my volatile friend, 'he shall dine
with me too. He is an ancient of mine--he dare not refuse to let you
go. But there is the fine old sinner himself in the verandah of the
_cafe_; now we can ask him.'

"We rattled up to the door, to the infinite astonishment of my worthy
skipper, who was greatly surprised to see Don Pedro and his second
mate on such excellent terms, and all without his intervention.

"'Hillo!' he shouted, 'how came you two sailing in company?'

"The worthy old seaman was briefly informed of my afternoon's
adventures over a bowl of iced sangaree; and when Pedro made his
proposition about the morrow's dinner, and a little extra liberty for
me, the reply was very satisfactory.

"'Sartainly, sartainly,' said he, 'and I hope good will come of it.'

"'Well, then,' said Pedro, 'as this matter is settled, I must take my
leave. I shall expect you early, gentlemen. _Adieu_'