The fanfare of trumpets in the ball-room announces that the captain-general has at last arrived to grace the festivities with his presence.
"Have you quite recovered?" Ashley asks Isabel, with as much solicitude in his voice as he can command.
"Yes, thank you. You see I am yet a woman," she says bitterly. And she adds in tones of intense hatred: "The cur! The coward! But come, let us return to the ball"
They have reached the entrance of the ball-room. Mrs. Harding stops and favors Ashley with the kindest look she has ever bestowed upon him.
"Mr. Ashley, you are no friend of mine. In fact, you are the only man I have ever feared. But I know you would not have been the coward that Capt. Alvarez has proved."
Ashley's response is an enigmatic smile. He remarks, lightly: "I have the honor of wishing you a very good evening, Mrs. Harding."
He watches her disappear in the crowd and sees her a few moments later in the long line that is passing the "reviewing stand." As she pauses an instant before the captain-general Ashley notes the latter incline his head slightly. Some words are spoken and Mrs. Harding continues on.
A triumphant smile flits over Ashley's face; he thinks exultingly:
"The pen wins this time! Now for Juanita!"
CHAPTER XLVIII.
THE SWORD TRIUMPHANT.
"You are in unusually good spirits this evening, Senor
Ashley."
"I am always happy when I am near you, senorita," is Jack's fervent response. At which speech, the warmest
