"Blessed Santa Maria!--my fan!" A small black object, seen distinctly in the moonlight, was lying on the road, directly in the track of the sauntering stranger.

Garnier attempted to alight; Carroll reined in his horse.
"Stop, all of you!" said Maruja; "that man will bring it to me." It seemed as if he would.

He stopped and picked it up, and approached the carriage.

Maruja stood up in her seat, with her veil thrown back, her graceful hand extended, her eyes and mouth tremulous with an irresistible smile.

The stranger came nearer, singled out Captain Carroll, tossed the fan to him with a slight nod, and passed on the other side.
"One moment," said Maruja, almost harshly, to the driver.