For a while the
two races kept mechanically apart; but, through the tactful
gallantry of Garnier, the cynical familiarity of Raymond, and the
impulsive recklessness of Aladdin, who had forsaken his enchanted
Palace on the slightest of invitations, and returned with the party
in the hope of again seeing the Princess of China, an interchange
of civilities, of gallantries, and even of confidences, at last
took place. Jovita Castro had heard (who had not?) of the wonders
of Aladdin's Palace, and was it of actual truth that the ladies had
a bouquet and a fan to match their dress presented to them every
morning, and that the gentlemen had a champagne cocktail sent to
their rooms before breakfast? "Just you come, Miss, and bring your
father and your brothers, and stay a week and you'll see,"
responded Aladdin, gallantly. "Hold on! What's your father's
first name? I'll send a team over there for you to-morrow." "And
is it true that you frightened the handsome Captain Carroll away
from Amita?" said Dolores Briones, over the edge of her fan to
Raymond. "Perfectly," said Raymond, with ingenuous frankness. "I
made it a matter of life or death. He was a soldier, and naturally
preferred the former as giving him a better chance for promotion."
"Ah! we thought it was Maruja you liked best." "That was two years
ago," said Raymond, gravely. "And you Americanos can change in
that time?" "I have just experienced that it can be done in less,"
he responded, over the fan, with bewildering significance.
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