The shouting ceased, the tenseness of the moment closing every throat.
The Mendoza carreta overtook the other, passed it, and reached the goal two lengths ahead. Carmelita was the queen of the day!
With a flourish the Doña Carmelita's postilion drew up before the pavilion at the merienda ground, Mendoza and Captain Morando assisting the breathless, excited girl to alight.
Caballero and carreta whirled into the open space around her.
"Hail! Hail, to the queen of the merienda!" arose on all sides. She bowed right and left in acknowledgment.
On one side of the building stood a dais whence the queen ruled her loyal subjects.
"Come, little one," her father said. "Your ladies of honor will accompany you to your throne."
Lolita and Alfreda walked with her to the dais, then curtsied in deference.
"Your wishes, queen of the merienda?" they asked.
"For one hour let matron, maid, and man gather blackberries for the feast. Then all shall come to luncheon in the pavilion, not forgetting to bring the fruits of their labor. For the afternoon my command is that all enjoy themselves to the full."