advent of no crowned monarch into his capital ever produced a
greater sensation than this coming of our Lady of Montes Serat. It awoke
a strong spirit of rivalry in all the churches of Seville. Fair devotees
emptied their jewel cases in behalf of their favorite Madonnas--nothing
was withheld which female pride could bestow on the object of its
religious idolatry. So, for a time, all Seville was in a tumult of
ambitious rivalry, and out of this was sure to come the most brilliant
day of the holy week. I had not cared to go to this exhibition, but
General Harrington had secured a balcony overlooking that of the Infanta
and her suite. It was to be a splendid procession, they said, and I
should regret it forever if they permitted me to remain at home.

"I found it easier to submit than to contend, but still hesitated, when
James Harrington came up to the verandah where we were sitting, and
leaning over my chair, whispered a request that I should go. His manner
was almost caressing, and there thrilled through his voice such genuine
anxiety, that I could hardly suppress the quick leaping of my heart, or
speak at first, it throbbed so loudly. The rest had left us and we were
alone.

"'Do go! It seems an age since I have seen you except in a crowd,' he
said, drawing a chair to mine.

"'But this will be a crowd, also!'

"'Not for us.'

"I looked up suddenly and felt the warm crimson leap to my face, when my
eyes met his.

"'Let us be happy this once,' he said, 'the crowd itself will be well
worth seeing. Besides, the Infanta will be there, with her husband, Le
Duc de Montpensier. Then remember that the Princess Clementina, wife of
the Prince of Saxe Coburg will be of the party,--quite a nest of
royalty, you will find; just the persons that I for one should like to
see.'

"'And so would I. My heart always warms toward the children of that good
man, Louis Philippe,' I answered.

"'Then you will go?'

"'Yes, I will certainly go; the promise of seeing all these interesting
persons makes me almost impatient.'

"'Ah, how bright you look; we shall have a pleasant day. Mother is
getting ready. She seems to be feeling young as a girl. Did you ever see
any one change as she has since we came to Seville?'

"'The General was speaking of it this morning,' I replied. 'She is so
well and happy,' he said, 'that I can hardly think of moving yet. The
very air of Seville carries balm with it.'

"Harrington turned away and walked t