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"Do you eneral hesitated, whereupon O'Reilly spoke up: "For ree to come back if you so desire"

Gomez shook his white head "No! You came to find and to save your fiancee, and you volunteered to serve with us while you were doing so We have no desire to keep any ainst his will Souest Why not you two? She has every confidence in you, and if she chooses to risk this enterprise rather than wait until we can guarantee her an easier trip we shall not restrain her I shall see that you reach the coast safe and sound; beyond that you must trust in God"

Branch was immensely relieved; he joined volubly in O'Reilly's thanks and becaer appeared to pain him Peace with honor, it see forward to an interesting cereed the plans?"

"Oh no, sir!" O'Reilly said, quickly "I'd like to , if Miss Varona will consent to such short notice"

"Bravo! You have a way of doing the unexpected Twin births, a double wedding! Why not? The sight of a little happiness will be good for all of us; we're apt to forget that life and the big world are going on as usual I don't think Miss Varona will have it in her heart to refuse you anything"

The old soldier was right Rosa did not gainsay her lover, and toward sundown the city a the leaves witnessed an unaccustohted at an opportunity of serving Norine, had transformed Esteban's poor quarters into a tiny bower of wild blossoathered flowers for the two brides-to-be, then joined with niirls came down the street, hand in hand, they received an ovation from men and women alike Norine was pleased; she sh But Rosa, sadly overwrought by the day's excitee of a collapse Nevertheless she was happy; her eyes were shining, her face was transfigured, her hand, when she took O'Reilly's, was cold and trerasp

Many people--all Cubitas, in fact--had asse, but few actually succeeded, for Esteban's hut was too shest officials of the Provisional Governathering dusk And those Ministers, those secretaries of departenerals and colonels, what a ar them They were sunburnt, wind-browned, earnest er ones wasted fros and poverty shone a stately courtesy and consideration They were gentlemen, men of culture and refinement, the best and oldest blood of Cuba Both Norine and Johnnie had learned their gratitude, and the story of the Varona tas typical of the island, nowadays, so they unbent and there arratulaitons, well-turned Latin pleasantries, elaborate compliments upon the beauty of the brides