"Señora, in Europe your hand will be busy in affairs of far greater interest to the world than the future of California." "I shall never forget California, and the maps shall be safely kept till such time as we wish to use them." "Now, dear lady, after long association comes the time for good-bys. It will be months, at least, before we meet again. Allow me to express my gratitude for the inspiration you have been to me in this California work." "Captain, I thank you most cordially for what you say. When Lord Bevis Farquharson, with his wife, Lady Matilda, and their little daughter, Margaret, come to London remember that my establishment in Great Curzon Street is their home." They clasped hands, their eyes dimming. "My lady, do not forget that you have another home at Farquharson Court." CHAPTER XXXI ACROSS THE YEARS Nine or ten friars, from different missions within a day's ride, were in a room close by the living apartment of the pastor, Padre Osuna, of Mission San José. Once or twice the padre's voice, in deep murmur, came to the ears of his waiting confreres; then it was silent. Each time the others paused a little, for his coming, then resumed desultory conversation. "Why waits so long Padre Osuna for the coming?" impatiently from Padre Mercado, continuing: "We are told he is within, and even now once more I heard his voice." Juan Antonio ushered in Señor Mendoza. "Señors Padres, it is a delight to meet you. I trust your various charges are prospering." The friars, who had arisen, exchanged glances. "This is as may be, señor," from the padre of Santa Clara. Padre Osuna came quietly into their midst. "Reverend padres, and Señor Mendoza, I am late. A visitor, coming unexpectedly and bringing a message of vast purport to me, was the cause of my detaining. Let us be seated." He continued: "Brethren of my order, I requested you here, that you might be listeners of the proposal Señor Mendoza is prepared to make. You know the missions and their requirements. You may be able to enlighten him as to the wisest course. Now," inclining his head to Mendoza, "we are ready to hear you, señor." The courtly hidalgo bowed in return. "Señor pastor, and señors padres, the law of the secularization is spread on our statute books. Its extension in this Mission of San José de Guadalupe has been gradual, as you know. I believe the time has come for further extension." He looked slowly from Osuna to the others. None of the churchmen spoke. He went on: "Namely, that each able-bodied Indian of good character, member of this Mission, shall receive a plot of land of sufficient acreage to maintain himself and his family; the land, of course, to be taken from the leagues still held by this Mission, in trust, from the Mexican government." Padre Osuna did not speak.