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"Papa does whatever we ask," they assured her, gravely "If he should groe'll co wardrobe where nobody will ever find you" Then hand in hand, with their long nightgowns lifted to their knees, they pattered out into the hall and doard the living-roohter

Don Mario de Castano, as facing the door, stopped in theto cry: "God be praised! What's this I see?"

The others looked and then burst into lasses they saw a diirl and boy, as like as two peas They were just out of bed; they were peering through the s like two little owls Their evident eely

"So! You awaken the household with your songs," some one chided Don Mario

"Two cherubs from heaven," another exclaimed

And a third cried, "A toast to Esteban's beautiful children"

But the father lurched forward, a frown upon his face "What is this, my dears?" he inquired, thickly "Run back to your beds This is no place for you"

"We love Evangelina," piped the twins "You must not let Don Pablo have her--if you please"

"Evangelina?"

They nodded "We love herShe plays with us every dayWe want her to stay hereShe belongs to us"

Accustomed as they were to prompt compliance with their demands, they spoke imperiously; but they had never seen a frown like this upon their father's face, and at his refusal their voices grew squeaky with excitement and uncertainty

"Go to your rooms, my sweethearts," Don Esteban directed, finally

"We want Evangelina She belongs to us," they chorused, stubbornly

Don Pablo shook with laughter "So! She belongs to you, eh? And I'ive me a kiss, both of you, and I'll see what can be done"

But the children saw that Don Pablo's face was strangely flushed, that his eyes ild and hisback

"You won your bet fairly," Esteban growled at hielina is ours," the little ones bravely repeated

Then their father exploded: "The devil! A? Where have you learned to opposethem hesitate, he shouted for his wife "Ho, there! Isabel, my love! Come put these imps to rest Or , truly! Are they to be allowed to roaet a fever?"