In Kedar's Tents

by Henry Seton Merriman

Sir John rose from the chair he had taken at the señora’s silent invitation.

‘Then I may expect the General to arrive at my hotel this evening,’ he said. ‘I am staying at the Comercio, the only hotel, as I understand, in Toledo.’

‘Yes, he will doubtless descend there. Do you know Frederick Conyngham, señor?’

‘Yes.’

‘But everyone knows him!’ exclaimed the lady vivaciously. ‘Tell me how it is. A most pleasant young man, I allow you—but without introductions and quite unconnected. Yet he has friends everywhere.’

She paused and, closing her fan, leant forward in an attitude of intense confidence and secrecy.

‘And how about his little affair?’ she whispered.

‘His little affair, Madame?’

‘De cœur,’ explained the lady, tapping her own breast with an eloquent fan.

‘Estella,’ she whispered after a pause.