t, Marguerite, I am forbearing, a
statue, marble in the midst of fire; but beyond a certain point I will
not endure persecution, and I say to you, let Concepcion Montfort, the
widow of my sainted father, beware!

[Illustration: IN THE GARDEN.]

Adios, my Magnolia Flower! I must feed my birds. Already they are awake
and calling the mistress they love. They hang--I have told you--in large
airy cages, all round under the eaves of the summer-house beside the
fountain. They are beautiful, Margaret, the Java sparrows, the little
love-birds, the splendid macaw, the paroquets, and mocking-birds; but
king among them all is Chiquito, our parrot, Marguerite, yours and mine,
the one link here that binds me to my Northern home; for I may call
Fernley my home, Uncle John has said it; the lonely orphan can think of
one spot where tender hearts beat for her, not passionately, but with
steadfast pulses. Chico is in superb health; he is--I tell you every
time--a revelation in the animal kingdom. More than this, he is a bird
of heart; he feels for me, feels intensely, in this dark time. Only
yesterday he bit old Julio severely; I am persuaded it was his love for
me that prompted the act. Julio is a Spaniard of the Spaniards, the
slave of Concepcion. He attempted to cajole my Chico, he offered him
sugar. To-day he goes with his arm in a sling, and curses the Cuban
bird, with threats against his life. Never mind, Marguerite! a time will
soon come--I can say no more. I am dumb; the grave is less silent; but
do you think your Rita will submit eternally to tyranny and despotism?
No, you know she will not, it is not her nature. You look, my best one,
for some outbreak of my passionate nature, you attend that the volcano
spring some sudden hour into flame, overwhelming all in its path. You
are right, heart of my heart. You shall not be disappointed. Rita will
prove herself worthy of your love. How? hush! ask not, dream not! trust
me and be silent.

MARGARITA DE SAN REAL MONTFORT.

CHAPTER II.

THE STORM BURSTS.

GREATLY HONOURED SIR:--I permit myself the privilege of addressing your
Excellency, my name being known to you as man of business of late your
admired brother, Senor Don Ricardo Montfort. I find myself, senor, in a
position of great hardness between the two admirable ladies, Senora
Montfort, widow of Don Ricardo, and his beautiful daughter, the Senorita
Margarita. These ladies, admirab