``Oh, he seems to have a very good position here,'' said Mr.
Langham.``In England, at his age, he would be only a second-lieutenant.Don't you remember what the President said, that he would trust him with the command of his army? That's certainly a responsible position, and it shows great confidence in him.''
``Not so great, it seems to me,'' said King, carelessly, ``as he is showing him in making him the guardian of his hearth and home.
Did you hear what he said to-day? `He guards my home and my family.' I don't think a man's home and family are among the things he can afford to leave to the protection of stray English subalterns.From all I hear, it would be better if President Alvarez did less plotting and protected his own house himself.''
``The young man did not strike me as the sort of person,'' said Mr.Langham, warmly, ``who would be likely to break his word to the man who is feeding him and sheltering him, and whose uniform he wears.I don't think the President's home is in any danger from within.Madame Alvarez--''
Clay turned suddenly in his place on the box-seat of the carriage, where he had been sitting, a silent, misty statue in the moonlight, and peered down on those in the carriage below him.
``Madame Alvarez needs no protection, as you were about to say, Mr.Langham,'' he interrupted, quickly.``Those who know her could say nothing against her, and those who do not know her would not so far forget themselves as to dare to do it.Have you noticed the effect of the moonlight on the walls of the convent?'' he continued, gently.``It makes them quite white.''
``No,'' exclaimed Mr.Langham and King, hurriedly, as they both turned and gazed with absorbing interest at the convent on the hills above them.