Yet, when he had extinguished a snuffy chuckle in his red bandana handkerchief, Key knew that he would accompany him to the convent that noon.
It was with a slight stirring of shame over his elaborate pretext that he passed the gate of the Sacred Heart with the good father.

But it is to be feared that he speedily forgot that in the unexpected information that it elicited.

The Lady Superior was gracious, and even enthusiastic.

Ah, yes, it was a growing custom of the American caballeros--who had no homes, nor yet time to create any--to bring their sisters, wards, and nieces here, and--with a dove-like side-glance towards Key--even the young senoritas they wished to fit for their Christian brides! Unlike the caballero, there were many business men so immersed in their affairs that they could not find time for a personal examination of the convent,--which was to be regretted,--but who, trusting to the reputation of the Sacred Heart and its good friends, simply sent the young lady there by some trusted female companion.

Notably this was the case of the Senor Rivers,--did Don Preble ever know him ?--a great capitalist in the Sierras, whose sweet young sister, a naive, ingenuous creature, was the pride of the convent.