She did not reply.
"Does he look for a government different from the one to which his California brethren enthusiastically turn?"
Señora Valentino colored. "Captain Morando last night promised me to stand by Castilian manhood and womanhood. Hand and glove he declared it. Further he did not go. Try as I might he advanced nothing. The ruling thought of the hour passed him by."
"You astonish me."
"He is as deeply in love with Carmelita Mendoza as ever. His feet press after her everywhere." The señora's own foot tapped the floor impatiently.
"For this reason he favors Mendoza's reactionary tactics, you think?"
"I think his mind has never got very far beyond the fair Carmelita herself."
"A young and handsome fellow, my señora, makes love as easily as he talks. About as easily is it accepted—and forgotten."
"I do not think Morando's attitude toward the Señorita Mendoza can thus be described."
"Quite possibly, señora, quite possibly. Now, we had determined—it was your suggestion, by the way—to make this young man governor and commander here when the time comes. A splendid idea! All California will be proud of their handsome and brilliant leader. Our English colonists, when they arrive, will admire the soldier. A future of great usefulness and power awaits him. Why not find occasion, as you know him well, to tell him of these things, and make him one of us?"