CHAPTER XI THREE SUITORS
Here was a fix! Don Carlos had no wish to anger Don Diego Vega or a man who stood high in the governor's regard. And how was he to evade it? If Lolita could not force her heart to accept Don Diego, perhaps she could learn to love Captain Ramón. After Don Diego, he was the best potential son-in-law in the vicinity.
"Your answer, señor?" the captain was asking.
"I trust you will not misunderstand me, señor," Don Carlos said, in lower tones. "I must make a simple explanation."
"Proceed, señor."
"But this morning Don Diego Vega asked me the same question."
"Ha!"
"You know his blood and his family, señor. Could I refuse him? Of rights I could not. But I may tell you this—the señorita weds no man unless it is her wish. So Don Diego has my permission to pay his addresses, but if he fails to touch her heart—"