“Tut! Is he not a Rocha, a distant relative of the Fernandez family? You can see it in the way he stands beside his horse. Blood always will tell, dear child.”
The rider’s piercing eyes swept the company, passed over the heads of those nearest, and rested for a moment on the girl in the doorway. Señor Lopez hurled a neophyte out of his way and took a step forward, while all fell silent and waited for the first words to fall from the lips of the old señor’s heir.
“It gives me great pleasure, Rojerio Rocha,” Lopez said, “to welcome you to San Diego de Alcalá. I am Señor Lopez, and was Señor Fernandez’s manager at the rancho for many years before he passed away. It was I who wrote you the letter the señor signed telling that he wished you to inherit his property, together with his fair daughter, Anita, and expressing the hope that you two would find it in your hearts to wed. So I welcome you to San Diego de Alcalá on behalf of every man and woman here, and may you be pleased with your inheritance.”
It was a glorious smile that illuminated the face of the man addressed. For a moment he looked them over again, then extended his hand, and Lopez grasped it warmly.
“Your welcome overcomes me,” he said. “I had scarce expected it.”
“You might have known, Rojerio Rocha, that we would be glad to welcome you,” Lopez replied.
“I was not certain, not knowing the goodness of your heart. Now, as to my inheritance——?”
“The rancho of many broad acres lies five miles to the west, señor. Neophytes and gentiles are employed there, and we have, indeed, a happy family. Since the old señor died his daughter and duenna and myself have been residing in the guest house here at the mission awaiting your coming, but I have gone out every few days to observe how things are being cared for on the rancho. You will find storehouses full, señor, and the flocks and herds doing well, and besides, you inherit the good will of every man, woman and child in and around San Diego de Alcalá. And now—the señorita——”
“To be sure—the señorita!”
He continued smiling as Lopez took him by the arm and led him through the throng to the door of the guest house. His eyes met those of Anita as Lopez introduced them, and the girl’s face flushed. It was disconcerting for her thus to meet this man for the first time, knowing he was to be her husband.