"Manuel! Manuel!" again from his wife. "And before such a child as Lolita!"
"I know Carmelita favored Captain Morando above Don Abelardo the day of the dinner at her father's house. I saw it, and so did all the girls. I know she changed toward him to-day after what I—saw. I know she did."
Señora Valentino approached the group.
At almost the same moment Morando came up from the opposite direction, having been at the race course collecting from the judges their decisions as to the victors.
"Ah! Captain mine, bearest thou a word for beauty as well as for prowess in athletics?" questioned Moraga.
"The queen has appointed no judge of beauty. Even the wisest would find bewilderment here where all are so fair," replied the gallant Morando.
"Our Captain is a diplomat," smiled the señora. She bowed to the gentleman in question; he yet lower to her.
A messenger advanced, saying with much ceremony: "Señora Valentino, the queen requests you to crown the winners from the dais. Captain Morando, you are commanded before the throne there to read your reports."
The señora curtsied. "My sovereign's will is mine."
The soldier saluted, but before he could make speech Mendoza's hand was on his shoulder. "Pardon me, friends, I have a word with the Captain."