"Quite so. Still, to err is human."
"But to forgive, divine, Señor Captain."
"Señorita Doña," hesitatingly, "perhaps there are things humans can hardly be expected to forgive."
Again her face flushed, and she bit her lip.
"Yes—and even if done under misapprehension." Her eyes looked straight at him.
"Of course the offense remains despite the misapprehension—of course it remains," from Morando. His eyes sought the ground.
Neither spoke for a moment. Peons were running hither and thither. Señor Mendoza had descended from the roof and was sauntering toward them. Filipo's field glass pointed along the road leading up to the gate.
"Señorita Carmelita, we can at least be friends. Is it not so?"
Mendoza was at their side. "Captain, when did you first find out about this raid?"
"Yesterday morning. I had ridden to Monterey, to call on Señora Valentino where the messenger came. I had some men with me. The others came up at the Berryessa rancho."