“Duty, señora, compels me to remain.”
“And you, Señor Cisneros?”
“I must return to Huari.”
From the large salle in which luncheon had been served they went to the broad veranda above, where there were many chairs, and from where they could enjoy the beautiful view of the bay, the seacoast city beyond, and Lima in the distance.
Both Carl and his father felt a twinge of sadness when they saw the suite of rooms where they had passed so many happy months before Mrs. Saunders had returned to the States with Harold, but this was followed by the glad thought that they would soon be speeding north, homeward bound.
While the adults drew chairs near the centre of the broad balcony, the young people walked to the end, from where they could command a better view of the bay and also of San Lorenzo.
“Oh, those were happy days when we could row over there in the practice boats!” exclaimed Louis, pointing to the big island.
“Are not these days happy, sir?” asked Bella Caceras.
“Y-e-s,” he stammered, somewhat confused. “You know, I meant——”
“Well, what did you mean?” she demanded laughingly.