"I soon return to Europe," the señora said. "My work here is really done. Great Britain gains another province, and will be correspondingly thankful to her who was useful in bringing about the transfer. Good Captain, I have other claims on Great Britain's good will. Should you desire some important post on the continent, or elsewhere, I can see to it that the diplomatic interest of England is used to secure it for you. Since you feel you must leave here, my Captain, return to Europe, take what good fortune sends you, and again you will be the knight of the Lady of the Window Pane, and she will rejoice in the victories you win for her." Morando lifted the señora's hand to his lips. "Do not think I am unmindful, kind friend, of your goodness to me. I appreciate it most sincerely. But, señora, I could not accept your generous offices." "But, Captain, there are many aspirants for the high places. Worth is but one of the requirements. Another is to have a friend at court. I can point out to you the short paths to preferment, and can assist you. I soon return to Europe. Why not you do the same?" "Again I thank you, señora. Europe is too crowded; therefore I left it. I could not accept preferment there, or here, unless I had earned it. South America offers to me the most inviting field at this time. Before long I shall turn my steps in that direction." "You are diffident, Captain, and overscrupulous. Europe is the world. Go there. Accept what offers itself, and you will find your capabilities are equal to the task." Again Morando shook his head. "Señora Valentino, there is one thing that I would like to ask you to do for me." "Yes, Captain." "I seem to make matters worse by speaking to Señorita Mendoza myself. Would you go to her and tell her for me that--O, that--that I didn't know of her engagement to Peralta, and that I had no wish to annoy her, and all that? Explain it all to her. You will know better what to say than I can tell you--only tell her that, no matter what, I shall always love her truly, and that I shall never love anyone else." He bowed his head in his hands, overcome by his own thoughts. She arose quickly, her eyes striking fire. He was too preoccupied to notice. Her hands clenched and then relaxed, in excess of nervous tension. "You wish me to tell the señorita that you love her, that you meant no offense in so telling her----" Colonel Barcelo's loud voice called, "Morando! Morando! I say, Morando!" The Captain aroused himself. "Here, Colonel. Here in the garden." The Colonel rushed into the patio, mopping his face with his handkerchief. "What do you suppose that Stanislaus of yours has done now, Captain? What do you suppose he has done, I say?" "What has he done, Colonel?"