Estenega looked at him reflectively. He had little toleration for the man of inferior brain, and, although he did not underrate his power for mischief, he relied upon his own wit to circumvent him. He had disposed of this one by warning Santa Ana, and he concluded to be annoyed by him no further. Besides, as a brother-in-law, he would be insupportable except at the long range of mutual unamiability.
"I made you no promise," he said, deliberately; "and I shall make you none. I do not wish you in the city of Mexico."
Reinaldo's face grew livid. "Thou darest to say that to me, and yet would marry my sister?"
"I would, and I shall."
"And yet thou wouldst not help her brother?"
"Her brother is less to me than any man with whom I have sat to-night. Build no hopes on that. You will stay at Santa Barbara and play the grand seigneur, which suits you very well, or become a prisoner in your own house." And he left the room.
XXXI.
An hour later they assembled in the plaza to start for the bear hunt.
Reinaldo was not of the party.
Estenega lifted Chonita to her horse and stood beside her for a moment while the others mounted. He touched her hand with his:
"We could not have a more beautiful night," he said, significantly. "And I have often wished that my father had included this spot when he applied for his grant. I should like to live with you here. Even when the winds rage and hurl the rain through the very window pane, I know of no more enchanting spot than Fort Ross. The Russians are going; some day I will buy it for you."