Sometimes one or other of the cowboys would ride down to Maxwell, and reappear, without question or remark.
"I wonder he did not mention he was going," Sarella complained.
"Of course he mentioned it," Don Joaquin said loudly. "He would not go without asking me."
"But to us ladies," Sarella persisted, "it would have been better manners."
"That was not at all necessary," said Don Joaquin; "Mariquita would not expect it."
"I would, though. It ought to have struck him that one might have a communication for him. I should have had commissions for him."
It was evident that Sarella had ruffled Don Joaquin, and it was the first time anyone had seen him annoyed by her.
Next day, after the midday meal, Sarella followed Mariquita out of doors, and said to her, yawning and laughing.
"Don't you miss Mr. Gore?"
Mariquita answered at once and quite simply: