Rose Orchid

ould I be, with Tota?" Involuntarily, as she pronounced the name, her voice softened with tenderness "That is my husband," she continued proudly.

"You have not seen him. He is an American, too. And one thing is hard--it is that I never can talk about him. Even my mother--she was angry when Tota took me away. I suppose that is why," she threw at the se–or a glance at once ingenuous and reserved, "I want to talk to you."

The lieutenant-commander felt uncomfortable.

"So you are married," he observed foolishly.

Rita frowned. Then the frown gave way to a little, amused, happy laugh.

"Why, what does the se–or think? But then, you Americans are all alike. That is, all except Tota! He will be here soon; he wants to see you. He is a very wonderful man, and so good, se–or."

"I have no doubt of it," the lieutenant-commander said dryly.

"Yes. We came here but nine, ten months ago, and already we have many acres of coffee trees. There were some--that was m