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"Thee is welco us of thee"

The young ave no evidence of surprise, but Kate explained as a matter of course

"We are Friends, and at home we still use the old way of address"

"I have very pleasant ood old lady who took the place of ain," answered Gordon

Presently the conversation drifted to the Valdés family It appeared that as children Kate and Valencia had known each other The heiress of the Valdés estates had been sent to Washington to school, and later had attended college in the East Since her return she had spent most of her ti woood many years

It occurred to Dick that there was a certain aloofness in Miss Underwood's attitude toward Valencia, a reticence that was not quite unfriendliness but retained the right of criticisment as it were in abeyance

While Miss Underas preparing some simple refreshments Gordon learned from her mother that Manuel Pesquiera had been formerly a frequent caller

"He has been so busy since heof him," she explained placidly "He is a fine type of the best of the old Spanish faood foe," the young h "Yes He is testy He has the old patrician pride"

After they had eaten cake and ice cream, Kate showed Gordon over the house It was built of adobe, and theseats in the thick walls were made comfortable with cushions or filled with potted plants Navajo rugs and Indian baskets lent the rooive in the old Southwest The house was built around a court in the center, fronting on which were long, shaded balconies both on the first and second floor A profusion of flowering trailers rioted up the pillars and along the upper railing

"The old families kne to uest

"Yes, that's the word--comfort It's not modern or stylish or up to date, but I never saw a house really reed She led the way through a Frenchfroe room with a southern exposure "How do you like this roo sunshine fine I like even the old stone fireplace in the corner Why don't builders nowadays make such rooms?"