The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-10-07

were being rapidly carried over a rough. ill-kept road, and through the equally ill-paved streets of brilliantly illuminated town; for although It's thoroughfares were of the Middle Ages, Cordova boasted electric light. It was nearly nine o'clock, the shops and cafes were open--all the world seemed to be out of doors
 After ciattering over many cobble- stones. the carriage drew up outside a gateway in the outer wall of an im- posing grey mansion.The ladies and their maids descended, and walked a. long stone passage into great open courtyard, or patio, with a fountain, surrounded by palms, orange-trees. and pillars. clustered with climbing-roses and passion flowers; above were tiers of galleries. reached by marble stair case. and at the foot of this, a dumpy little lady in a nantilla threw her self upon Mrs. Tudor and kissed her rapturously.
 "At last. Laurai" she exclaimed. (KIss.) At Iast!" Kiss.) Tt does mo good to see youl"
 As soon as Laura had extricated her self from the embrace of her demon- strative kinswoman, she said
 And here is my young friend, Miss Forde- Hester. this is Dona Luisa Moiina.'
 You are very welcome" said Dona Luisa, taking her hand. q do like to ssee my own country ry-people other wise become too Spanish" and she smiled. She had a delightful smile. and pretty eyes.
 "we are both dead. Luisaw an- nounced Mrs. Tudor. What! do I see Freddy" she exclaimed as a figure rapidly descended the stairs.
 'Yes. Is not this a nice surprise for you?" said his aunt. He had touch of Rock fever, and has come to me for a change"
 Captain Tudor, who appeared to be in excellent health, and looked re- markedly spruce. weIl-groomed. and ready for supper, greeted the new arrivals with empressment.
 You are half an hour late" re- stunned Dona Luisa. I've have wished such a proof of affection. Freddy and are so>hungry--we so could eat you!'
 You'd find me rather tough" said the old lady. laboriously, beginning to ascend the stairs. You'd better have slice off Miss Forde, who is young She threw all ther lunch out of the window to some dogs!"
 Come, I'll show you your rooms, " said Dona Luisa, preceding Hester with the activity of a girl of twenty. Laura. you are In your old quarters. Miss Forde, you are in here" and, opening a tall door off a corridor on the first gallery. she ushered her guest into a large and lofty chamber, furnished like a drawing room. Here were thick carpets and curtains, sofas, a great chandelier suspended over a central table. armchairs. mirrors, pic- lures; behind a screen was a piled up pillowei bed and an immense armoir and on little table that English well come, a vase of fresh flowers.
 Hester felt almost lost In the great apartment; the distances were vast; 1t was a walk from the wardrobe to the door. from the window to the dressing table. When she had made a hurried toilet, she opened the door into the gallery, and, leaning over the marble balustrades, looked up at the stars above, then down on the patio be- low, where. reflected in the water, they twinkled like diamonds. The court, with its marble pavement and fountain. palus, climbing iessamine. and sweet orange-flowers. seemed like the interior of some fairy palace.
 Come along, come alonE!" said Mrs. Tudor, suddenly joining her and taking her arm. It's fine. is it not? This was once the old palace of the AreValos. Now mind you don't let me fall on the marble! Supper Is down. P'stairS.'
 Supper proved a pleasant meal, we'll serwed and well cook ed. To Hester ana only strange dish was a delicious "Dulce de Azahar." sweetmeat made of orange-fiowers: 1t seemed almost profane to taste itl The long, low room was panelled with gloomy pro- traits of bearded dark men. and un- dressed and over -jewelled ladies. who had departed this life within the last three centuries.
 Dona Lulsa had much to say and more to hear. Captain Tudor, a tanned