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Rh much interested in her now, that fever having gone a long way towards curing me of my passion for her; and besides, it was said that she had another lover. I had not heard from her since she left Tehana, and felt she must be getting indifferent. However, I determined not to pay her much attention at the ball, but at the same time to take notice of what occurred. In fact, I decided to act the diplomatist in the matter, and await the course of events at present.

My soliloquy was now broken by Vandalia, who asked me some question about my travels. Indeed, we got into such earnest conversation over the matter, that I paid no attention to the people on the jetty we were approaching. Judge my surprise, however, when the boat stopped, to see Louva and her father standing alongside. It appears they were aware of the time we should arrive, and came down to meet us, as Ilaclatella intended to convey us in his own vehicle to the ball. I was glad to see my old friend again. He was as entertaining as ever, and welcomed me back to Atazatlan. Louva looked as lovely as before, and glanced at me very keenly. I knew that she was surprised at the change. However, I pretended not to notice this. She regretted that I had suffered so much,