be changed. So, it is better we are good friends than poor ones;
and--and--my house is open to you, señor."

Russell was a young man of acute perceptions; moreover, he had heard
of Doña Eustaquia; he divined in part the mighty effort by which good
breeding and philosophy had conquered bitter resentment. He raised the
little white hand to his lips.

"I would that I were twenty men, señora. Each would be your devoted
servant."

"And then she have her necklace!" cried Benicia, delightedly.

"What is that?" asked Russell; but Doña Eustaquia shook her fan
threateningly and turned away.

"I no tell you everything," said Benicia, "so no be too curiosa. You no
dance the contradanza, no?"

"I regret to say that I do not. But this is a plain waltz; will you not
give it to me?"

Benicia, disregarding the angry glances of approaching caballeros, laid
her hand on the officer's shoulder, and he spun her down the room.

"Why, you no dance so bad!" she said with surprise. "I think always the
Americanos dance so terreeblay."

"Who could not dance with a fairy in his arms?"