natural history; but Rochford showed no desire to
accompany us. It was very evident that he preferred the society of the
ladies, and especially of my cousin Juanita, to whom it appeared to me,
he was paying devoted attention. Whether or not the elders of the
family observed this I could not make out. The girls were also both so
lively and animated, that it was difficult to be certain that my young
cousin had discovered our guest's feelings towards her, or, at all
events, that she returned them. Her manner was in no way altered; she
treated him, as she did Lejoillie and Captain Norton, in a frank and
easy manner.

Carlos showed some annoyance when Rochford made excuses for not going
with us.

"We are not a large party, and we fully relied on having your company,"
said my cousin. "You came out here to see the country, and you will
know nothing about it if you stop in the house and only take a short
ride occasionally with the girls or paddle them about on the river. You
can return with us, and stop here afterwards as long as you like."

Still Rochford would not promise to go.

Captain Norton also excused himself. He had, he said, traversed the
country and camped out often enough in the course of duty. He was not
particularly fond of sport; at all events, it would not recompense him
for the life he should have to lead. He could spend but a few days at
Castle Kearney, and must then return to Saint Augustine, where his
regiment was quartered. At this I was not surprised, though I liked him
so much that I should have been glad of his society. He, however, I
suspected, was paying attention to Rita, and, as far as I was able to
judge, was making progress in her good graces. My uncle and aunt were,
of course, grateful to him for having preserved her from the puma; and
though he claimed no merit for the service he had rendered, it was very
natural that it should be in his favour.

We had all gone out in the evening to enjoy the cool air in the
orangery, in which were seats on raised terraces, where views could be
obtained up and down the river. I had separated from the rest of the
party, when, after wandering about by myself for a short time, I passed
one of the bowers I have mentioned. On looking in I saw Juanita and
Rochford. I overheard my cousin say, in answer to something her
companion had said--

"It is impossible--I cannot quit my home; and I tell you frankly that
you have not won my heart."

As my c