Hence, when once more alone he thought to indulge in a cigar so that he might consider the whole case, and form plans for the immediate future. To those who are accustomed to the solace of a weed the necessity of this step can be understood and needs no apology. Roderic, having a glorious destiny opening before him, and being in the possession of unbounded health and strength, enjoyed the first part of that cigar immensely. He never knew what the balance was like. For a shock came upon him, a shock that was entirely unexpected, and which left him so stunned that a Wheeling stogie would have appeared as a prime Havana in his estimation. What more could be said? As he turned in his walk he suddenly discovered a veiled figure approaching--walk and figure declared that it could be no other than the governor's daughter--she had forgotten something and had returned to tell him. Roderic's step quickened as he hastened to meet her now faltering advance. Naturally enough he smiled pleasantly--why not, under such conditions? Alas! that one's motives may be misconstrued--that a fever raging in the heart may distort even the most common-place action. "Ah! you have relented--you will not tear yourself away so soon--you have thought of something else that may have an importance bearing upon our plans--plans that if properly carried out mean happiness for both of us. Yes, I rejoice to see you return, as I was in something of a dilemma and perhaps you can help me out." He had extended his hand impulsively but she refused to see it. "You are not angry, senorita--I have not offended you in any way, I trust: I should never forgive myself if it were so," he said. Perhaps the anxiety in his tone was strong--at any rate she seemed to tremble with half suppressed emotion and shrank back. Roderic became more impressed and concerned. "You do not speak--you _are_ offended, clown that I am to have said or done something unwittingly that has hurt your feelings. Senorita, pray pardon me--restore me to your favor, I beg." While he was thus apologizing, for what he himself did not have the least idea, Roderic could not refrain from thoughts of an altogether different nature, and which must have run something in this vein: "Now bless my soul if I know what to do in such a case. Ten minutes ago she left me full of spirits and as warmly disposed as one could wish--now she returns and deigns not to even accept my hand. Duse take it, women are all alike, mysteries to me. What have I done in the interim--lighted a cigar and wrapped myself up in thought. It's a good enough cigar, too," casting a dubious glance at the weed as if some vague and monstrous suspicion had arisen in his mind that the inoffensive weed might have something to do with the matter. Then light broke in upon him--it came from her.