It was warm inside, so after their waltz Fred and the girl went out on a little balcony which hung low over the brook. The moon was high in the heavens, and shone softly through the whispering leaves. From up the valley a gentle breeze brought the heavy scent of the roses.
"It is so hot inside," the girl said, her voice so low that it seemed part of the night, "and out here it is so cool and—and wonderful." Again she came close. "For to-night you are my cavalier, and I am your lady. Oh, if to-night could but be every night. You are so big and kind and—different."
"And you," he said, with the romance of it mounting to his head, "you are more than different. If to-night only was every night. For to-night you are my lady."
A shadow darkened the doorway behind them and a long arm shot out for Henderson's neck. Surprised, he turned blindly. It was Don Carlos. Quick as a flash Fred hit him full between the eyes, and with the other arm tried to loosen the hold on his throat. There was no sound; the girl stood breathless. Again he struck and the hand at his throat tore away. There was a flash of steel in the hand of the Spaniard—but the blow never fell. The girl stood between them, her arms spread apart, her eyes flashing.
"Carlos," she said slowly, "if you ever strike a blow like that, be eternally cursed by me. You fool! Know you not that I was playing with you? How I hate you! Go!" She stamped her foot. "Go, I say."
He turned with bent head, and without a word passed into the building. As he disappeared, the girl sank back, her face white, almost greyish, against the red of her dress.
"Hold me, senor," she said weakly. "I am not well. Could—would you take me home—to my father?"
Without a word Henderson picked her up bodily and stepped off the little low balcony into the grass. Not until they reached the arbor did she speak.
"Thank you. I think I can walk now."
He set her down and she smoothed her rumpled skirts. Then they proceeded together slowly. Silently they followed the path which a few hours before they had so gaily trod, and silently they ascended the hill.