ariance with Mrs. Belding's habitual
temperament. But he put his arm around her. In another moment she had
gained command over herself, and, kissing him, she pushed him out of
the door.

"There! Go tell her, Dick... And have some spunk about it!"

Gale went thoughtfully back to his room. He vowed that he would answer
for Nell's happiness, if he had the wonderful good fortune to win her.
Then remembering the hope Mrs. Belding had given him, Dick lost his
gravity in a flash, and something began to dance and ring within him.
He simply could not keep his steps turned from the patio. Every path
led there. His blood was throbbing, his hopes mounting, his spirit
soaring. He knew he had never before entered the patio with that
inspirited presence.

"Now for some spunk!" he said, under his breath.

Plainly he meant his merry whistle and his buoyant step to interrupt
this first languorous stage of the siesta which the girls always took
during the hot hours. Nell had acquired the habit long before Mercedes
came to show how fixed a thing it was in the life of the tropics. But
neither girl heard him. Mercedes lay under the palo verde, her
beautiful head dark and still upon a cushion. Nell was asleep in the
hammock. There was an abandonment in her deep repose, and a faint
smile upon her face. Her sweet, red lips, with the soft, perfect
curve, had always fascinated Dick, and now drew him irresistibly. He
had always been consumed with a desire to kiss her, and now he was
overwhelmed with his opportunity. It would be a terrible thing to do,
but if she did not awaken at once-- No, he would fight the temptation.
That would be more than spunk. It would-- Suddenly an ugly green fly
sailed low over Nell, appeared about to alight on her. Noiselessly
Dick stepped close to the hammock bent under the tree, and with a sweep
of his hand chased the intruding fly away. But he found himself
powerless to straighten up. He was close to her--bending over her
face--near the sweet lips. The insolent, dreaming smile just parted
them. Then he thought he was lost. But she stirred--he feared she
would awaken.

He had stepped back erect when she opened her eyes. They were sleepy,
yet surprised until she saw him. Then she was wide awake in a second,
bewildered, uncertain.

"Why--you here?" she asked, slowly.

"Large as life!" replied Dick, with unusual gayety.

"How long have you been here?"

"Just got here this fraction of