"Mount a horse and ride to the beach," decided Fernando. "You will be gone on business, to see about—eh—to see if the vessel for hides has come in. Make yourself decent, and I will send a messenger after you. Don't be too easily found—you are likely to be drunker in an hour than you are now."
"Curse the brandy! And Bryton was to come back to see me about—oh, God knows what! But don't let my mother see him—an accursed heretic Americano, you know! Dios! If I could only sleep for an hour!"
Fernando fairly pushed him out at the door.
"Take a sea bath; drink black coffee; get out of sight while I receive the bride!"
Then, after the door was closed on the groom-elect, he took a quick survey of the room.
"That is right, open all the windows. Some one cut lilies—the white ones—quick! Hide this fan for Merced. Light those candles on the Virgin's shrine, and put the lilies there and on the table. Whose pipe is this under the edge of our lady's lace robe? It smells vilely—take it away! Where is the key of the chest of the donas? Here it is in the chest, and that is unlocked—only Rafael could do that. Let us hope he has not let Merced try on the wedding-dress! Are there no more flowers? Get some for the room of the señorita. Tell some one to make French coffee. Manuel, put out the light."
Dolores and Madalena ran through the open door, breathless.
"Fernando, she is here—the Señora Arteaga, and—"
"Already! Aunt Teresa told us to run and help; she will come also. Don Rafael?"
"Has ridden to the harbor."