"Papacito, our guests are arriving. I shall leave you." Carmelita approached from the rear of the room where she had been occupied with a book.
The squeaking of carretas (wooden wagons) was now plainly heard, also the tramp of horses, the laughter of men, and the gay, bantering tones of women. Anon arose the angry cry of O'Donnell's stallion.
"The guests are truly coming. Carmelita, my child, see that the servants neglect neither duty nor courtesy."
To O'Donnell, who was standing ready to depart: "Señor, I'll attend you myself as you go forth."
Soon the dressing rooms were filled with young girls, laughing and joyous. A dash of powder on the face, the hair smoother, laces adjusted, all under the watchful eye of mother or dueña.
The young dandies in their rooms were scarcely less fastidious than their sweethearts and sisters.
At a quarter before six the company was assembled in the reception hall. Jokes and sallies went around the room.
Carmelita noticed that her father was not present and sent a peon to call him. The servant returned with the word that the señor and the gringo stranger were in the outer office. He did not dare disturb them.
Five minutes passed. Merriment grew louder. Some one saw on a secretary a chart giving the places of the guests at table. The merrymakers crowded around.
The doña slipped away and no one noticed.