"I am your mother's slave if she will but let me serve at your side.

Only," he paused, "I wish it was not business--I know nothing of business." "If it were only business, Captain Carroll," said Maruja, slowly, "I would have spoken to Raymond or the Senor Buchanan; if it were only confidence, Pereo, our mayordomo, would have dragged himself from his sick-bed this morning to do my mother's bidding.

But it is more than that--it is the functions of a gentleman--and my mother, Captain Carroll, would like to say of--a friend." He seized her hand and covered it with kisses.

She withdrew it gently.
"What have I to do ?" he asked, eagerly.
She drew a note from her belt.

"It is very simple.