“If you ever knew you will pick it up again. We have had such a day of it, and--oh I believe they are going to illuminate the house and grounds! What fun! They will keep it up all night, I do believe. Why have you not been on hand to see our precious doings?” “I had some work to do which kept me, and I was out very early.” “Early enough to see them decorate this place? They came long before we thought of getting up. We heard voices, but were too sleepy to stir. After becoming accustomed to the noise of the cow-carts we have learned to sleep through anything. Did you walk out this way and do you know who set the blossomy bough by our window, and if it was intended for Polly or me?” “Ought I to tell if I do know?” “Certainly, how else can we smile on the one who desires our favor?” “Very well, I will tell you some time,” he added. Patty gave him a swift look wondering exactly what that meant, then she laughed lightly. “I fancied it might be Don Felipe, you know,” she said in an undertone. “The little man in the elegant waistcoat and riding boots?” “The same. He is a magnificent don with oodles of pesetas and would you think it? He came over on horseback to-day, though he often comes with a coach and four. The relations between Paulette and me are strained already on his account, as we both pine for his collection of antique jewels. I wish I had not thought of the jewels just now, for I am instantly seized with a feeling that I am neglecting my opportunities by not going over to talk to him. I shall have to leave you.” And in another moment she had joined the group among whom were her sister and Don Felipe. There seemed no wearying the dancers and their number was soon increased by a company from another village. The young men of this _pueblo_ bore a tall slim tree from which all the branches had been cropped. It showed only a small tuft of green leaves at the very top, but was decked out with ribbons and flowers. The girls followed, jangled their tambourines and sang the song of the day as they came down the road and into the garden, where the tree was set up. Another supply of cake and wine was brought forth, the dancing became more and more exciting, though the watchers began to be weary, yet the lights in window and balcony were not extinguished till long after midnight, and even then the song of the dancers still echoed from a distance. CHAPTER VII THE INXANOS