"I think I have," said Victor, with assumed carelessness, "I think I have some of the old Custom-House paper." He produced from the secretary a sheet of brown paper with a stamp.

"Try it on that." Carmen smiled with childish delight, tried it, and produced a marvel! "It is as magic," said Miguel, feigning to cross himself.
Victor's role was more serious.

He affected to be deeply touched, took the paper, folded it, and placed it in his breast.

"I shall make a good fool of Don Jose Castro," he said; "he will declare it is the Governor's own signature, for he was his friend; but have a care, Carmen! that you spoil it not by the opening of your red lips.

When he is fooled, I will tell him of this marvel,--this niece of mine, and he shall buy her pictures.