Mary raised her head, and starting up, gazed inquiringly at the muffled face, while the intruder pointed to the motionless form of Florence, and laid a finger on her lip.

Then beckoning Mary to follow, she receded, with stealthy tread, to the door, which was softly closed, and walked hurriedly on till she reached a large rose-tree, which shaded the window.

Mary shivered as the piercing wind swept over her, and strove in vain to suppress a fit of coughing.

There was a moment's silence.
"You did not know me ?" Mary started.

"I did not, till you spoke; but, Inez, what brings you out on such a night ?" Inez took off the mantilla which had so effectually concealed her features, and threw it round the frail, drooping form before her.
"No, no, Inez, you will take cold;" and Mary tendered it back.
It was tossed off contemptuously, and mingled with a bitter laugh came the reply--"I am not cold, Marinita, nor ever shall be but once again.
I am burning with an inward fire that will not be quenched" "You are ill, Inez, and want some medicine; tell me where and how you suffer ?" "No, no.