“Soon after five o’clock,” was the reply. “Why?”
“It’s almost four now,” replied Shirley. “Hadn’t we better be going?”
“Oh, no, we have plenty of time,” was the answer. “It will not take us so long to get back.”
Shirley subsided, and the others continued the conversation.
At half past four Shirley again mentioned the time. Mrs. Sebastian arose, spoke a few words to the others in Spanish, and then came over to Shirley.
“I have decided,” she said, laying a hand on the girl’s shoulder, “to remain here over night and go on by train to-morrow. Will not you and Mabel stay with me?”
“I am sorry, but we can’t do that,” replied Shirley. “If you will call a cab for us and direct the driver, we shall not trouble you to take us back to the boat.”
“But we should like to have you stay,” said the donna.
“We would indeed be glad to do so, but father would worry,” said Mabel.
The Don also added his voice, but the girls turned a deaf ear. Both arose and put on their hats. Then they approached to tell their hosts good-bye.