heart as well as body to the scenes of before
our marriage, has told me over again the story
of my happiness. Marguerite, how to deserve it,
this wonderful bliss? I study, I try, the dear
Saint teaches me always many things--in vain! I
am debtor to the whole world, and how much more
to the gracious Power above worlds! But enough
of this, my Pearl! Your time will come; till
then you know nothing of it. I pant for your
awakening, I burn, Marguerite, but I am
powerless. If I had you here, there is a friend
of ours, a paladin, a Roland, second only to my
Jack--no! This makes you laugh, I feel it, I
see your cool, pearly smile. I am angry with
you for laughing, yet I laugh, too. So! now of
other things. I think of you always; Jack also;
I have told him so much, he assassinates
himself with desire to see you all. The time
will come! Marguerite--no matter! One word
only! Our beloved Uncle's birthday; I remember
the day, the Fourteenth. You will honor it, I
know, as such a day should be honored, the day
which blessed the earth with the best
man--except one--that breathes mortal breath.
Marguerite, if on that day a trifle should come
from the far-away cousins, you will receive it
kindly? Ah, how well I know the answer! Bless
you, my treasure! I must go to my housekeeping.
Dear Donito Miguelito is staying with us now;
you can fancy the joy of tending this saintly
old man in his feebleness. I prepare myself the
little dishes that please him; it is a sacred
task; it is like feeding a holy butterfly.

"Adios, my Marguerite!
"Ever and ever your devoted
"RITA.

"You ask of Concepcion. She is married to Diego
Moreno, and, as I hear, is very unhappy. Poor
woman, I compassionate her!"

After the reading of the letter, Grace slipped away to return to her
patient, and the three cousins sat together, talking in low tones of
Rita, and of Grace herself. Jean maintained stoutly that Rita could not
be so fascinating as Grace. Peggy and Margaret insisted that, though
totally different in quality, neither could outdo the other in amount of
charm.

"They are both the ki