“I am just thinking,” she said, “of what a good time Polly must be having with me away. I badger her to death, and his donship, too. I think he is disgusted with me for this morning’s actions.” “He has poor taste, then. Do you think that Miss Paulette would like to be Mrs. Don?” “I don’t know. A girl like that doesn’t wish to be left behind in a race. It may be she simply wants to prove her powers, yet, Polly is rather a canny person, I am beginning to think. I am fond of her but her French thrift does crop up once in a while and a practical marriage would have no fears for her. What a nice comfortable time they are all having, to be sure, Tina and all of them. The opinion that sister has of me is appalling.” “I imagine it perhaps, a case of John Smith’s opinion of himself, his friends’ opinion, and the real John Smith. I fancy your real self is pretty well hidden under an assumption of character which belies you.” “Is that flattery or not?” “You just said your sister had an appalling opinion of you.” “Then I begin to see the compliment glimmering through the obscurity of the setting. From certain signs which may be diagnosed as the pangs of hunger I think it is time to go back. Moreover, I am sure Guido ought to have a good and sufficient meal and be given a thorough cleaning. I wonder why the Lord bestowed anything so ludicrous and at the same time so heart-rending as a donkey’s bray upon the poor creatures, and is it because of that they are always objects of derision?” “That is a puzzling question, and one for which I doubt if any answer can be found.” “It will be hot on the _carretera_, but I have an umbrella and we can keep in the shade wherever there is any. That is one of the advantages of this delightful climate, no matter how hot the sun is one can always be comfortable in the shade.” They trudged back over the dusty _carretera_. Few people were encountered, though the women were working in the fields and by the singing stream a company of laundresses were still at work rubbing their wash upon the stones. Don Felipe had recounted the story of the donkey, so that Master Guido’s appearance was not unexpected, but at Patty’s recital of the tale her sister entirely sympathized with her and pledged herself to petition her husband that Guido be allowed to become Patty’s property. “He will not grudge the poor little creature food and shelter,” Doña Martina said, “but whether he will think it proper for you to accept him from Robert Lisle is another thing.” However, Robert made much of the relationship, and upon these grounds Patty was allowed to accept the gift. But that was not till the following day. Don Juan was busy with guests when Guido arrived, so that Patty handed her charge over to the gardener, who promised to give him proper care. CHAPTER X SANTA MARIA MARINA