situation, and the earliest intimation as to the formation of the new Cabinet. Then, as she expressed herself interested in journalism, I related in reply to her questions some of my adventures in pursuit of news. She was, I found, quite an enthusiast in politics, for she gave a critical opinion upon the probable policy of the various parties, declaring that the day of revolutions by _pronunciamiento_ had not gone by, adding emphatic arguments that would have done credit to any member of the Chamber. I told her of the details I had already sent to London describing the efforts of Senor Canovas del Castillo to form a new Cabinet; but, after hearing all I had ascertained regarding a probable solution of the crisis, she shook her head, and, laughing, said-- "I believe your information has somewhat misled you. Although the deadlock is even more serious than you anticipate, yet matters may be temporarily adjusted at any moment." "And when they are, I shall, alas! be compelled to bid you adieu," I said sorrowfully. "The memory of these few bright, happy days will dwell always within me." In silence she gazed for a few moments away upon the broad expanse of green sunlit sea. Then she exclaimed-- "And you will return to London--and--and--forget me!" "No, never, Doroteita," I said passionately. "I shall always look upon these as the happiest hours of my life!" Her breast rose and fell. As we walked together, I held her small, well-gloved hand in mine, breathing into her ear the tender passion that had overwhelmed me. I scarce know what words I uttered, but she heard me patiently in pensive silence until I had concluded. Then, withdrawing her hand slowly but firmly, she replied in a voice that betrayed emotion-- "No, no. Our relationship can never be closer than that of friends. Our lives lie so very, very far apart." "Ah, I know!" I cried in disappointment, stopping and gazing straight into her great liquid eyes. "If I were wealthy, I might dare to ask for your hand. As it is, Doroteita--as it is, may I not entertain hope?" Slowly and sadly she shook her head. "But I love you." "That I do not doubt," she said huskily, sighing heavily. "You do not reciprocate my affection sufficiently," I hazarded. "I did not say so," she replied quickly, raising her dark lashes for an instant. "Perhaps I may even love you with as fierce a passion as you yourself have betrayed. Yet, though that may be so, we can never marry--never!" "May I not know the reason?" I asked. "No," she answered, with her eyes fixed seaward. "Soon I shall die-- then perhaps you will ascertain the truth. Until then, let us be friends, not lovers." I was sorely puzzled, for the mystery was so tantalising. Times without number I sought by artfully concealed questions to penetrate it, but she frustrated every effort, and when we parted outside the Casino at noon, my bewitching senorita grasped my hand in farewell, saying--