Gregorio apparently knew nothing of the arrangement--another instance of Matilde's tact which pleased Veronica.

Matilde herself was no longer pale.

She had seen how desperate she looked and had put a little rouge upon her cheeks so deftly and artistically that the young girl did not at first detect the deception.

But her features had still been drawn and weary.

They relaxed suddenly in a genuine smile when she saw the gardenia.