"Señora Valentino has won the padre to her side; has influenced the well-poised Carillo, of the South, and many others there. She has, in the North, toyed with men's intelligence whose balance I had never before doubted." The girl's eyes were straight ahead. The father and daughter went for a few moments without speaking. The señor broke the quiet. "Little one, if by any chance future years shall see misfortune here, provision has been made for thee across the seas. The proceeds of the lower hacienda, thy mother's, had she lived, have been placed for thee in London's Bank of England. Friends thou wilt find in England. Their names are written in my will. Thou canst find protection there always, should it ever fail thee here." "California has been thy home, my father, and it shall always be mine." "A brave daughter and a loving one." It was some time before further conversation. "Thou art a woman grown. Though I married late in life, yet may I still live to see thee on a husband's arm." She looked archly at him. "There is Don Abelardo. You know friends have said that his father and mine arranged for a match." "Yes; but it is not true. You are to have the making of your own life." "Papacito, my dueña says that more and more are people speaking of this purported engagement. I know, of course, how the story began with the peons present when Abelardo's father passed away in your arms; but, why should such sudden interest arise now?" "The peons understood little of Señor Peralta's words, and spoke much, as Indians often do. His utterance touched the friendship of his family and mine, nothing more. Peralta would never have dreamed of betrothing our children without their wish and consent; nor I of entering such a compact, though such has been the custom in Spain--a custom truly more honored in the breach than the observance." "But, papa, I don't want this idea that Abelardo and I are engaged to be married to get so widely about. What can we do?" "Do nothing, my girl, do nothing. Attention paid to such things only nourishes their growth. What does it amount to, anyway?" Filipo came over to them. "Captain Morando, and many with him, are dropping down the steep hills, and are coming in this direction. The field glass shows them plainly." Mendoza and his daughter walked toward the gate. "Morando is one of the few who have not been influenced by Señora Valentino. He has maintained clear head and uncompromised tongue. Sword and glove he has declared himself for Castilian manhood and womanhood. I would be willing, as, indeed, should everyone, to clasp hands with the señora on that declaration; as did the Captain in the supper-room the night of the baile. I wish all my friends had held their wits against this agent of Great Britain as firmly as he." The señorita paled, then flushed.