"What you say, señora, is not impossible."
"What power, what patronage, what opportunity would belong to such a viceroy! It would be well-nigh that of a king."
Her companion made no response.
"My good soldier, of all the men in California who do you think would be chosen to this high office of civil and military leader?"
"Señor Mendoza I believe to be the ablest man in the province. After him, I would say, comes Carillo, in the South."
She smiled into his face.
"The first governor under English rule here will be chosen on recommendation of three people. I am one of those three."
"What can you mean, Señora Valentino?" asked the amazed man.
"I mean this. It is my belief that English governing will be the one most acceptable to the Californians. I have become Great Britain's special representative, and I am laboring to bring about a judicious consummation."
The soldier looked wonderingly at her. "Your words, señora, while surprising me, explain many things."