en in love before."

"In love!" echoed Padre Antonio in turn. "Ah! I knew it was that," and
into his eyes there came an expression of tenderness and a far-away look
as though the word recalled memories of other days. Memories which music
or the glories of the sunset, or the cooing of the wood-dove at eventide
might awaken within the soul. The sunlight played along the path at
their feet. The breeze wafted the fragrance of the roses about them and
a linnet, perched on the swaying branch of a tree overhead, gave voice
to his song, singing of the joy of life. Again he sighed, and Chiquita
looking up quickly, saw in his eyes that which she had never suspected.

"Padre _mio_," she said at length, lowering her eyes and slowly opening
and shutting her fan, "have--have you ever been in love?"

"My child!" he cried with a start, suddenly recollecting where he was.
"You forget what I am! What are you thinking of?"

"Oh, nothing, nothing!" she returned quietly. "Only it's so--so sweet to
be in love, Padre _mio_. And yet so--"

"So what, my child?" he interrupted hurriedly, as if to get through
with the subject as quickly as possible.

"So terrible," she answered.

"So terrible?"

"Yes, terrible, Padre _mio_, for I never knew before how ugly I am."

"My poor child, you have quite lost your head!" he answered
sympathetically.

"Ah, no," she said rising and facing him, "you do not understand; I have
a most dangerous rival. To win the Senor I am compelled to use every
means and strategy within my power. Can you not see?" she continued
passionately; "she has everything; I have nothing. She is not only
beautiful, but rich, and Blessed Virgin, what dresses she has, and
jewels enough to cover an altar-cloth!"

"My child!" he cried. "You are merely jealous of the Senorita's beauty.
For shame, that you should set such store upon worldly things!"

"Padre _mio_, you would not have your little Chiquita unhappy, would
you?" she went on without heeding his words, a beseeching tone in her
voice. "Should I fail to win Captain Forest's love, my heart will
break!" She stood with downcast eyes before him, an expression of pain
on her face.

"Ah, yes, my child, I understand," he answered compassionately, also
rising from the bench. "Your temptation is great. Beware of pride and
the vanities of this world, for he that exalteth himself shall be
humbled.

"Chiquita," he continued earnestly, "my greatest care in bringing you up
has ever