"Ah! senor, I am sorry. It was not my fault I assure you," she exclaimed, eagerly. "I am certain of that, lady. Besides, I have no right to complain when one whom I do not even know goes to this great trouble in order to do me a service." She moved uneasily at his words, and as if fearful lest his ardent gaze might penetrate beneath the veil she wore, one little white hand crept out from the folds of her sable robe to rearrange the crepe. Owen smiled, for this act of caution had revealed much to him--upon those plump fingers shone rings set with flashing gems, such as no member of a holy order would dare wear. Thus, without asking a question, he knew his _vis-à-vis_ to be in disguise. More than this, the unconscious desire to make sure that her face was concealed gave him the impression that they must have met before. As yet her voice had only sounded in low, whispered cadence, but it was rich and musical, and somehow seemed to arouse dim, uncertain memories which in good time after much groping, he would doubtless be able to place. She looked around with some concern, for the locality being central was never quiet, upon which he said: "Let us walk toward O'Connell bridge, and you can explain more fully the meaning of your note, as you promised. I assure you the interest taken in my welfare is appreciated, and if I can return the favor you have only to speak." "You mistake, senor--I do not seek a reward. Chancing to know that you were the object of a base plot, I thought it only my duty to warn you." "Because your vows constrained you?" She appeared somewhat annoyed. "Because heaven inspires every honest heart to desire the confusion of evil schemes." "Pardon--I was foolish for an instant to believe my personality could have anything to do with it. Undoubtedly your love of fair play must have impelled you to do the same for any poor devil." "Senor, you have no right to question my motives." "I am a brute--you are an angel come to my assistance. Let us then proceed to business. From whence does this threatening danger come--in which quarter am I to guard against secret foes?" "You do not seem to be alarmed?" "Does that surprise you, lady? Surely then you are not well acquainted with Anglo-Saxon blood. We who sup with danger, learn to despise it. I say this deliberately and without boasting." "Ah! yes, I had forgotten your mission abroad. Your government would never have sent any but a brave cavalier to take such desperate chances. _Hola!_ it is a pleasure to meet a man who does not shrink from a hazard." "Pardon the curiosity--but are you not Spanish?" he asked, steadily--it was of considerable importance that he should know this fact, for the most able diplomat may well look to his laurels when pitted against a female Richelieu. She answered frankly, almost eagerly. "My people are of Spanish blood, but I have only once seen Spain. I am _hija de Puerto Rico_." How proudly she declared it.