She was relieved! Dick certainly was not guilty of a low intrigue with one of the maids. But who and what was she? Dick was absent again from chocolate; there was unfinished work to do. Cecily came in later, just as Aunt Viney was beginning to be anxious. Had she appeared distressed or piqued by her cousin's conduct, Aunt Viney might have spoken; but there was a pretty color on her cheek--the result, she said, of her rapid walking, and the fresh air; did Aunt Viney know that a cool breeze had just risen?--and her delicate lips were wreathed at times in a faint retrospective smile. Aunt Viney stared; certainly the girl was not pining! What young people were made of now-a-days she really couldn't conceive. She shrugged her shoulders and resumed her tatting. Nevertheless, as Dick's unfinished studies seemed to have whitened his cheek and impaired his appetite the next morning, she announced her intention of driving out towards the mission alone. When she returned at luncheon she further astonished the young people by casually informing them they would have Spanish visitors to dinner--namely, their neighbors, Donna Maria Amador and the Dona Felipa Peralta. Both faces were turned eagerly towards her; both said almost in the same breath, “But, Aunt Viney! you don't know them! However did you--What does it all mean?” “My dears,” said Aunt Viney placidly, “Mrs. Amador and I have always nodded to each other, and I knew they were only waiting for the slightest encouragement. I gave it, and they're coming.” It was difficult to say whether Cecily's or Dick's face betrayed the greater delight and animation. Aunt Viney looked from the one to the other. It seemed as if her attempt at diversion had been successful. “Tell us all about it, you dear, clever, artful Aunty!” said Cecily gayly. “There's nothing whatever to tell, my love! It seems, however, that the young one, Dona Felipa, has seen Dick, and remembers him.” She shot a keen glance at Dick, but was obliged to admit that the rascal's face remained unchanged. “And I wanted to bring a cavalier for YOU, dear, but Don Jose's nephew isn't at home now.” Yet here, to her surprise, Cecily was faintly blushing.