“That wreath, lady, is reckoned beautiful,”--and the companion of Juan Sanchez selected what lie considered the most valuable of the collection. “Would you deign to accept--no, no, I mean, would you oblige me by buying it?” The fair Camilla gracefully declined the purchase. “Or that--or this one; any--all.” There never was a more importunate flower-dealer. “My friend,” replied the lady, gently, “indeed there is nothing here that I require. You mistake me; I am destined for a life that forbids all mortal luxuries. Show these things--and, indeed, some of them are very beautiful--to yonder lady, my father’s--” she paused, the name was not a pleasant one to pronounce--“_she_ will probably buy them. I do not need them; and if I did--but no--down, down, proud heart--” and she turned aside to hide a tear. “Nay, lady, accept them; and, in return, repay me with your prayers.” The intended novice waved her hand, and moved a step or two. “Stay, lady; stay for one moment. I have a flower here, an empress could not purchase; let me, pray let me, show it you.” “Indeed!” said the fair girl, as she turned round. “It is too precious to entrust within this casket, and therefore I enshrine it here.” As he spoke, the stranger took from his bosom a bunch of flowers, and placed them in Camilla’s hand. Instantly a burning blush rose to her very brows. A few rapid sentences fell from the stranger’s lips; a billet was placed softly in no unwilling hand; when the entrance of the admiral disturbed the course ot love and traffic in which the civilian, and his excellent companion, were so busily engaged. “I dare not ask him for so much money to-day,” said Dona Inez, in a whisper; “but promise me to keep the jewels until Friday, and then come here.” The obsequious merchant gave the necessary pledge, and, followed by his attendant, he made an “humble obeisance,” and quitted the mansion of Don Manuel de Cordova. Friday came. Again the visit was repeated: other brilliants had been added, in the interim, to the rich display that Juan Sanchez had previously exhibited; and the stranger’s flowers had been replaced with others of rarer kinds, and more exquisite fragrance. No wonder, therefore, that both collections were examined with an increased interest; and, in the wife and daughter of the admiral, that each found an ardent admirer. At the especial request of the former lady, the final selection of jewellery was postponed until the following Monday. Camilla was then to spend that her last day with the world; for the next day was to witness her private reception into the convent of Saint Agatha, to prepare herself for the formalities of an immediate profession.