"I appeal to the company here present; who is the queen of heart-breakers? This crown is looking for a wearer."
"Alfreda Castro! Carmelita Mendoza! Ysobel Soto! Señora Valentino!" came from the crowd.
"The Señora Valentino should have it. She has overcome the Captain Morando. 'Sword and glove' has he surrendered to her. It was at the door of the supper room. I saw it. Señora Valentino, the wreath is thine."
"Señorita Doña Hernandez!" remonstrated her dueña. "Remember the señora is not a maid as art thou. Have care for thy tongue."
Lolita started toward Señora Valentino.
"Come back, Señorita Lolita," from the dueña.
Lolita partly turned, but Señora Valentino was laughing, in evident enjoyment of the fun. Reassured, the girl called to the company:
"Shall it not be the señora?'
"The Señora Valentino!" they cried. "Our fair guest from Spain! Honor her! Crown her queen of heart-breakers!"
The señora smiled sweetly at the joyous throng, as much at home in the frolic as anyone among them.