"Captain Morando, were you not at a ball given in Madrid last year by the officers of General Guerrero's division in their quarters?" said Señora Valentino. "I was, indeed. And now, señora, I remember you well. Strange I did not recall you at first." "The fact that I was in ball-dress then and in riding-habit now is, undoubtedly, what prevented you from recognizing me before." "Why, we have old friends here!" interjected Colonel Barcelo. "How is Colonel Valentino, your husband?" "Shortly after that ball of which we speak my husband was ordered to service in Morocco, and there he laid down his life for his country." "I regret that my question called up sad memories. Nearly a year have I been away from Madrid, and news travels slowly to us here. I offer to you my sympathy in your great loss." "You are very kind, Lieutenant--I should say, 'Captain' Morando. But--what is past is gone. It is well, then, to forget. A wonderful life these Californians live!" "I trust Colonel Barcelo and his lady will find opportunity while in this vicinity to bring you, señora, to visit us at our home in Mission San José. What says my daughter?" The Doña Carmelita cordially seconded her father's invitation. The Barcelos accepted; the Señora Valentino likewise. "Mission San José--Mission San José--" mused the latter. "Is there not living there a Franciscan friar, one Lusciano Osuna?" "It is so," assented Mendoza. "I heard he was in California, and as you mentioned the Mission San José it came to me that was given as his present home." "A man of some importance, probably, in Spain," volunteered Señor Hernandez. "I do not know him personally," replied Señora Valentino. "In the cathedral of Barcelona I heard him give the Lenten sermons several years ago. It was quite shortly after his ordination, but his discourses possessed rare charm and power. The city was literally at his feet." "Strange such a man comes here as a mission padre?" observed Hernandez. "It was his request. Some unknown powerful influence seconded him, else Spain would not have lost her great preacher." At that moment the strains of the grand march floated through the pavilion, from the excellent orchestra provided for the dancing. Captain Morando was quickly at Doña Carmelita's side. "Señorita the Doña Mendoza, may I claim your favor for the grand march and the waltz following?" It was granted. Carmelita and Morando were at once circling in the waltz. "I still have the rose which fell to me from the sky one moonlit night a month ago." "Does it keep so long?" mischievously. "It is pressed in a book of poems. Each couplet of book-leaves holds a petal. The odor of the petals speaks to me the same thought which is the subject of these poems. Shall I tell you what it is, Señorita Doña?" "Hush! the music ceases. Lead me to a resting place." There was to be no resting for Señorita Mendoza. Importunate youths claimed dance after dance.