She bowed in appreciation.
"I thank you," she said. Then to her father, "Papacito, a word."
They withdrew.
"Will you ask me to dance El Son?"
Wondrously beautiful she was, her dark eyes glowing, the color flaming in her cheeks. The chivalry of his young manhood lived again as he saw the resplendent girl. Joy leaped in his heart that this exquisite creature was his daughter. She stood before him, every element of her personality pleading.
"Please, Papacito! I wish it to-night more than anything else."
They walked back among the people. The company unwittingly seconded her request.
"The Señorita Mendoza, the fairest of the fair! Call her, señor! Call her, the lily of the valley!"
The old don hesitated.
Again came the request from all sides, increasing insistent.