"Then the crisis is ended?" she exclaimed, suddenly interested. "Has a new Ministry been formed?" "Yes," I replied. "My work is finished." Her brows contracted for a second as if a sudden thought had occurred to her; then she shivered slightly, and, rising, crossed the room, and, drawing the heavy silken curtains across the window, shut out the extensive view of the moonlit bay. "Our wanderings have been so pleasant and unconventional that I am loth to leave," she said, as she slowly sank again among her cushions. "Nevertheless, I hope some day before long to be in London. Then perhaps we shall be able to spend a few more pleasant hours together." "I hope so," I said earnestly, rising and taking her hand. "I must, alas! go, or I shall not catch my train." But she would not hear of my departure, declaring that by the road on the other side of the hill I could reach the station in ten minutes, and, assuring me that she would send one of the servants with me as guide, urged me to resume my seat. Just as I was about to do so, there entered a tall slim man about thirty-five, wearing the uniform of a cavalry officer, and my pretty hostess, rising, introduced him as Luis, her brother. He was a good-looking fellow, dark and sun-tanned, but when he smiled, cynicism lurked in the corners of his mouth, and instinctively I disliked him. Not that he was supercilious--on the contrary, his greeting was quite effusive. He declared himself much attached to his sister, and any friend of hers was likewise his friend. He regretted that he had to leave for Madrid, but military orders could not be disobeyed. Together we sat chatting, Doroteita ordering some wine, which was served almost immediately by the man who had admitted me. Luis d'Avendano proved a brilliant conversationalist and entertaining companion, but somehow I could not help regarding him with a curious indescribable suspicion. Once I caught the pair exchanging significant glances, and this increased my vague mistrust. Yet his sister lolled in her chair, with a great cushion of yellow silk behind her head, fanning herself slowly, and chatting with that light coquetry that had so charmed me. A little clock chiming on its silver bells caused me to spring to my feet. "Nine o'clock!" I exclaimed. "You must excuse me, otherwise I really shall not catch my train." "Must you go?" asked Doroteita, in a tone of regret, closing her fan with a snap and rising also. "Yes," I said. "This is my last train. I must wish you _au revoir_, in the hope that we may meet again at a date not far distant." "Aren't you going to exchange tokens of friendship?" Luis suggested, laughing in his careless, good-humoured way. "Give my future brother-in-law your flower, Doroteita."