e we still use the old way of address."

"I have very pleasant memories of the Friends. A good old lady who took
the place of my own mother was one. It is nice to hear the speech
again," answered Gordon.

Presently the conversation drifted to the Valdes family. It appeared
that as children Kate and Valencia had known each other. The heiress of
the Valdes estates had been sent to Washington to school, and later had
attended college in the East. Since her return she had spent most of her
time in the valley. So that it happened the two young women had not met
for a good many years.

It occurred to Dick that there was a certain aloofness in Miss
Underwood's attitude toward Valencia, a reticence that was not quite
unfriendliness but retained the right of criticism. She held her
judgment as it were in abeyance.

While Miss Underwood was preparing some simple refreshments Gordon
learned from her mother that Manuel Pesquiera had been formerly a
frequent caller.

"He has been so busy since he moved down to his place on the Rio Chama
that we see nothing of him," she explained placidly. "He is a fine type
of the best of the old Spanish families. Thee would find him a good
friend."

"Or a good foe," the young man added.

She conceded the point with a sigh. "Yes. He is testy. He has the old
patrician pride."

After they had eaten cake and ice cream, Kate showed Gordon over the
house. It was built of adobe, and the window seats in the thick walls
were made comfortable with cushions or filled with potted plants. Navajo
rugs and Indian baskets lent the rooms the homey appearance such
furnishings always give in the old Southwest. The house was built around
a court in the center, fronting on which were long, shaded balconies
both on the first and second floor. A profusion of flowering trailers
rioted up the pillars and along the upper railing.

"The old families knew how to make themselves comfortable, anyhow,"
commented the guest.

"Yes, that's the word--comfort. It's not modern or stylish or up to
date, but I never saw a house really more comfortable to live in than
this," Miss Underwood agreed. She led the way through a French window
from the veranda to a large room with a southern exposure. "How do you
like this room?"

"Must catch the morning sunshine fine. I like even the old stone
fireplace in the corner. Why don't builders nowadays make such rooms?"

"You've saved yourself, Mr. Gordon. This is _the sacred room_. H