"Oh, did you live in Mexico?"
"I went many times to visit my grandfazer. He was at one time of California. A large ranch he had, cattle, sheep, horses, servants. Nothing is left." She sighed.
"Did the Americans take them from him?"
"Their coming made a difference. I know not if it was robbing as some say."
"I should think you would hate the Americans."
"I do not. No. My fazer was American."
"Oh, was he?"
"So I am told and that from him I have the hair and skin, but I do not bear his name."
"Oh, how queer. I mean, why not?" It was unusual to find Miss de Garcia in so expansive a mood, and Mary Lee hung upon her every word, proud of being made her confidante.
Miss de Garcia was silent a moment. "Because you love me I will tell you, though I do not say so much to strangers. I do not know my fazer's name. He died before I was born. My mozer died when I was a baby at her fazer's home in Mexico. I was given my aunt's name. I called her mamma and my uncle papa; he it is who is Garcia. They would not speak of my fazer; I know not why. My grandfazer did not like the marriage, was all my aunt would tell me."