He could not forget the fair face, and began to think the matter over with as much calmness as he could muster in his embarrassment. Having met such an angel of a woman, why should he not marry her? A bachelor’s life was very nice, but only up to a certain age. He went to mass the next day, and again he saw Estrella, and lost her in leaving the church. At last, on the day when our story begins, Morcillo, like the others, discovered by accident the residence of the charming maiden. He saw her on the balcony. Nothing else happened, but, feeling sure that he was in love, and that his will power was not strong enough to resist his passion, he made up his mind to go on with his wooing, and not to stop, unless this marvelous being with the face of an angel should prove to be a demon, which was, of course, impossible. * * * * * Now we know the three hidalgos, who did not resemble each other in the slightest degree. (_To be continued._) QUATRAIN. To dash irradiant on the barren shore The wave is born; the lark to sing and soar; To traffic with the sun upsprings the tree— Man only has no certain destiny. —_H. C. H._ [Illustration: EXTRACTS FROM THE LOG OF THE “RITA” BEING A DISCONNECTED ACCOUNT OF THE DOINGS OF SOME ARTISTS ON A SUMMER CRUISE....] [Illustration] “First day out. We can scarcely realize we have left behind the heat, the noise, and the dust of the city for three weeks. Far to the north, overhung by clouds of noisome smoke, our late prison is gradually sinking from sight. Only the tallest spires and houses can be seen. As the distance grows greater our hearts grow lighter, and dance in unison with the leaping waves. The day is a miracle of light and color,—and we’re a happy crew!” [Illustration] “Came very near being wrecked last night. Even the moon was full—but that fact saved the lives of all on board. Spike made a sketch this morning that will explain better than words.” [Illustration] “The fashionable portrait painter’s man and girl flirting on the shore turned out to be rather clever devices for frightening crows. He has been advised to consult an oculist.” [Illustration]