"The peons understood little of Señor Peralta's words, and spoke much, as Indians often do. His utterance touched the friendship of his family and mine, nothing more. Peralta would never have dreamed of betrothing our children without their wish and consent; nor I of entering such a compact, though such has been the custom in Spain—a custom truly more honored in the breach than the observance."
"But, papa, I don't want this idea that Abelardo and I are engaged to be married to get so widely about. What can we do?"
"Do nothing, my girl, do nothing. Attention paid to such things only nourishes their growth. What does it amount to, anyway?"
Filipo came over to them.
"Captain Morando, and many with him, are dropping down the steep hills, and are coming in this direction. The field glass shows them plainly."
Mendoza and his daughter walked toward the gate.
"Morando is one of the few who have not been influenced by Señora Valentino. He has maintained clear head and uncompromised tongue. Sword and glove he has declared himself for Castilian manhood and womanhood. I would be willing, as, indeed, should everyone, to clasp hands with the señora on that declaration; as did the Captain in the supper-room the night of the baile. I wish all my friends had held their wits against this agent of Great Britain as firmly as he."
The señorita paled, then flushed.
"Pity that Morando thinks of leaving California. I have it not directly from him, but O'Donnell heard him say that he intends to seek new fields as soon as he can," continued the señor.
Morando and his soldiers rode to the gate and saluted the Mendozas.