Everywhere was the hum of voices and echoes of laughter. Bursts of music sounded from various parts of the house or grounds where musicians had been stationed.
Many salutations from the California gentry met the priest as he passed along. Just outside the outer gate a hand was laid softly on his arm.
"May I have a few words with Padre Osuna?"
It was the Señora Valentino. The light made splendid play on her gown and jewels. The woman was young and fair, as well as exquisitely clad, but all this seemed to be put away as she stood beside the dull-robed friar.
"Certainly, Señora Valentino. If you thus request, my time is at your disposal."
"Here is a bench near the gatekeeper's lodge. Will you sit here awhile, reverend father?"
The padre seated himself by the woman's side.
"Perhaps I should yet further introduce myself to you. My husband, the late Colonel Clodio Valentino, was cousin-german to your mother, daughter of Ambassador Altamira, of Castile."
The friar looked keenly at his companion. "I have not seen my mother in ten years. She spoke often of Clodio Valentino, colonel of the Royal Hussars, and of his wife. It would seem as if the lady must be much older than you, señora."
"I am the Colonel's second wife. We were married seven years ago."