CHAPTER XXVIII.
I BID YOU STAY.
"You have been here a month, Monsieur Nigel, living in close intimacy with Angela and myself," said the abbe, as we sat on the veranda sipping our morning coffee.

"You have mixed with our people, seen our country, and inspected the great _azequia_ in its entire length.

Tell me, now, frankly, what do you think of us ?" "I never passed so happy a month in my life, and--" "I am glad to hear you say so, very glad.

My question, however, referred not to your feelings but your opinion.

I will repeat it: What think you of Quipai and its institutions ?" "I know of but one institution in Quipai, and I admire it more than I can tell." "And that is ?" "Yourself, Monsieur l'Abbe." The abbe smiled as if the compliment pleased him, but the next moment his face took the "pale cast of thought," and he remained silent for several minutes.
"I know what you mean," he said at length, speaking slowly and rather sadly.