He lay quiet once more. The girl thought he slept. Her smooth hands continued bathing his face.
"I didn't mean to offend you, Carmelita. I didn't know—of your engagement—to Don Abelardo."
"So you have heard that old story! Why, Alfredo, I have never been engaged to anyone."
His eyes opened wide. A faint flush spread over his pale cheeks.
"Never engaged—never engaged—you are not going to marry Peralta—not marry him?"
"No," she smiled.
CHAPTER XXIX
A DEPARTURE
"Señor Mendoza, there is no use to continue this parley. It does no good. I have possession of California. That possession I shall retain."
"The enlightened will of the people of this province must decide whether you retain possession, or relinquish it, Commodore Billings."