"As you see." Señora Valentino held up her injured wrist neatly bandaged.
"I could not allow many days to go by without riding over to thank you and your father, the noble Señor Administrator, for the wonderful night of enjoyment you gave us in that grand baile. The thought of it fairly possesses me now, as it was some beautiful dream and I was scarce awake from sleep. A thousand thanks, señorita doña, to you and to Señor Mendoza. I hope the señor is well."
Señora Valentino and Carmelita were standing within the reception room, near the open doorway, of the Mendoza hacienda house. The grateful coolness of the hall was in strong contrast to the heat of the summer sun which lay over grounds and house.
"You are good, señora. My father has been away since yesterday. I shall make your words known to him on his return. On my own part I thank you for them."
Señora Valentino placed her well arm around the girl. "The beautiful hostess of a beautiful home is the Señorita Mendoza."
"Will you not step within, señora? All that you see is yours."
Carmelita moved toward the inner room, thus disengaging the señora's arm.
"With much pleasure, señorita."
Shortly the two were seated.
"How refreshing is this inner air," remarked the señora. "The afternoon brings warmth and drowsiness, but this is delightful."