Commercial Square.

"Cypriana," he began at once, in a half-coaxing, half-apologetic tone.

"Silence! Answer my questions, or I will thrash you with your own
whip. How dared you intrude yourself upon me to-day?"

"Forgive me! I was so utterly amazed. I thought some bright vision had
descended from above, sent, perhaps, by the Holy Virgin"--he crossed
himself devoutly--"I could not believe it was you."

"Thanks! I am not an angel from heaven, I know, but let that pass.
Answer me! How dared you speak to me to-day?"

"The sight of you awoke old memories; once again I worshipped
you--your shadow--the ground on which you trod. I thought of how you
once returned my love."

"Miserable cur! I never stooped so low."

"You would have been mine but for that cursed Englishman who came
between us, and whom you preferred. What did you gain by listening to
him? He lured you from your home--"

"No more! The villain met with his deserts. He is dead--dead these
years--and with him all my old life. That is what brings me here.
Attend now, Benito Villegas, to what I say!"

"I am listening," he answered, cowering before her, and in a tone of
mingled fear and passion. It was evident this strange woman exercised
an extraordinary influence over him.

"Never again must you presume to recognise me--to address me,
anywhere. If you do, take care! I am a great lady now--the wife of an
English general. I have great influence, much power, and can do what I
please with such scum as you. I have been with my husband just now to
the Convent, the palace of the Governor, and I have but to ask to
obtain your immediate expulsion from the Rock. Do not anger or oppose
me, man, or beware!"

Benito looked at her with increasing awe.

"Obey my behests, on the other hand, and I will reward you. Ask any
favour! Money?"--she quickly took out a little purse and handed him a
ten-pound note--"here is an earnest of what I will give you. Interest?
Do you want the good-will of the authorities--a snug appointment in
the Custom-house, or under the police? They are yours."

"I am your slave; I will do your bidding, and ask nothing in return
but your approval."

"Nothing! You grow singularly self-denying, Senor Benito."

"The senora will really help me?" said Benito, now cringing and
obsequious. "One small favour, then. I am tired of this wandering
life. Here to-day in Cadiz; Ronda, Malaga, to-morrow. At everybody's
beck and call--never my own master, not f