"It was a great trip," said Carter as the automobile dashed around the last corner and stopped before the door of the cottage in Los Angeles. "We'll go again, won't we? Any time any of you want to see some old mission or get into a new bit of country, say the word and off we'll go. I am having the time of my life with you all."
"It's just like having a big brother," said Nan delightedly, as she watched him whirl off. "This world is so full of surprises and nice things, isn't it, kiddy?"
"This world is so full of such numbers of things,
We all ought to be as happy as kings,"
quoted Jack, as they went up the steps to where Li Hung, clean and smiling, stood ready to receive them.
CHAPTER IX
ONE SABBATH DAY
The rainy season had begun. A strong south wind coming in from the sea brought the first heavy winter storm. Already the mountain crests showed snowy peaks, but the valleys had for some time displayed a lively green after the rainless summer, and since the first light showers had given new life. Nan sat at her window looking off at the mountains and humming a little Spanish air she had been practicing. She strummed a noiseless accompaniment on the pane as her thoughts were following out a line of possibilities which a talk with Mary Lee had started.
"The señorita looks so sad," Mary Lee had remarked, "I am sure she is thinking of how alone in the world she is. Isn't it hard that any one so young and so lovely should have no relatives at all?"
"She might get married," Nan had replied. "Maybe Carter will fall in love with her."