"Now, señorita mia, time is going, and we will pass over my own little romance, and I will begin with the other tale of love." This from the señora when Carmelita had returned. "Are you ready to listen?"
The girl so signified.
"From speaking of our—our youthful flirtation—the good Captain came to tell me of the grand passion of his heart."
"Señora Valentino, I mean no discourtesy to a guest, but why do you tell me this?"
"Because, my dear, it concerns you most especially. The other day, in Monterey, Captain Morando and I were speaking most intimately, as becomes old friends. What harm? The Captain confided in me; nay more. He gave me a message to bring to you. 'I now love the Señorita Carmelita Mendoza,' he said. 'I pressed my suit the night of the baile. At first she listened to me. I had heart. I had courage. Then she changed. She flouted me. Something had offended her, I know not what. Will you not see her, the beautiful Carmelita, and explain to her I meant no harm. I—'"
The señorita sprang to her feet, her breast heaving.
"Señora Valentino, I cannot listen to you. Even though you are a guest of this house, I cannot—"
"Nay, nay, little child. Don't be so hasty. I am commissioned to set matters right between you two. Be seated now, my señorita, and hear me to the end. Please be seated. I am bungling in my mode of expression, I know. Pray be seated."
Carmelita took her chair once more.
The señora leaned toward her confidingly, her brown eyes looking straight at the girl, and her voice low and sweet.