"Yes, yes; let them be retained. But the present and great question? Did he stand by your side or Mendoza's?" The lady bit her lip. "His steps found middle ground." "Zounds; lady! Do you mean he is half-hearted?" "I will tell you, señor. He is a Spaniard who has left the mother country for this wider field; nevertheless, he is a Spaniard, and he can never become English." "He is welcome to remain the Spaniard in sentiment. Politically, however, he can be English. Is he different from the scores who last night declared for England?" She did not reply. "Does he look for a government different from the one to which his California brethren enthusiastically turn?" Señora Valentino colored. "Captain Morando last night promised me to stand by Castilian manhood and womanhood. Hand and glove he declared it. Further he did not go. Try as I might he advanced nothing. The ruling thought of the hour passed him by." "You astonish me." "He is as deeply in love with Carmelita Mendoza as ever. His feet press after her everywhere." The señora's own foot tapped the floor impatiently. "For this reason he favors Mendoza's reactionary tactics, you think?" "I think his mind has never got very far beyond the fair Carmelita herself." "A young and handsome fellow, my señora, makes love as easily as he talks. About as easily is it accepted--and forgotten." "I do not think Morando's attitude toward the Señorita Mendoza can thus be described." "Quite possibly, señora, quite possibly. Now, we had determined--it was your suggestion, by the way--to make this young man governor and commander here when the time comes. A splendid idea! All California will be proud of their handsome and brilliant leader. Our English colonists, when they arrive, will admire the soldier. A future of great usefulness and power awaits him. Why not find occasion, as you know him well, to tell him of these things, and make him one of us?" "It is in vain." "And why?" "I did tell him. We rode together from Mission San José to this place." "What did he say?" "He said he contemplates soon leaving California forever." "Most unaccountable, señora, most unaccountable! But--a man like Morando does not cast aside such prospects of high honors and power unless some strong counter attraction prompts him. Well--if he leaves, we must find someone to take his place." Farquharson arose. "I hope your hand will not trouble you seriously. When do you return to Monterey?" "I remain a day or two with the Calderons, then I go home." "Allow me to congratulate you again on your success of last night. Directly I see Fairbanks I will send or bring you word. Good morning, señora. My best wishes to you." The lady bade him farewell and watched him mount, the voluble Brown declaring, "These roses have spread out two inches while you've been gone, Cap'."