“Thanks, General Rotil,” she answered, rather bewildered by the swiftness with which he turned over to her the duties devolving upon her newly acquired position. “I am not wise in law, but what I can I will do.”
“And that will be nothing!” volunteered Perez. “A woman of my name will not make herself common in the markets or law courts,––to have her Indian ancestry cast in my teeth!”
“As to that,” said Rotil humorously, “there is not so much! The father of Teresa Sandoval was the priestly son of a marquise of Spain! only one drop of Indian to three of the church in the veins of Señora Perez, so you perceive she has done honor to your house. You will leave your name in good hands when God calls you to judgment.”
Kit noted the sudden tension of Perez at the last sentence, and a look of furtive, fearful questioning in his eyes as he looked at Rotil, who was folding the marriage contract carefully, wrapping it in a sheet of paper for lack of an envelope.
But, as squire of dames, Kit was too much occupied to give further heed to business in the sala. Doña Jocasta expressed silently a desire to get away from there as soon as might be; she looked white and worn, and cast at Rotil a frightened imploring glance as she clung to Kit’s arm. He thought he would have to carry her before they crossed the patio.
“When Ramon laughs like that––” she began and then went silent, shuddering. Kit, remembering the look in the eyes of Perez, did not care to ask questions.
The older women went back to the kitchen to finish breakfast and gossip over the amazing morning, but Tula remained near Doña Jocasta,––seeing all and her ears ever open.
Padre Andreas followed, under orders from Rotil, who told him to do any writing required of him by the Señora Perez, and arrange for safe couriers south when she had messages ready. His knowledge of villages and rancheros was more dependable than that of the vaqueros; he would know the names of safe men.
Doña Jocasta sighed, and looked from one to the other appealingly.
“It is much, very much to plan for before the sun is showing,” she murmured. “Is there not some little time to think and consider?”