“He did? That is just like him. Doubtless he thought of the times when he would ride eighty miles to go and serenade Doña Josefa, and his sympathies all went to Darrell. It is a pity your mother doesn't feel as kindly.”
“And what makes me feel more for Mercedes is, that she loves Clarence dearly, but in obedience to mamma's wishes she will not even give him any encouragement at all.”
“Then we must, that's all. Only let us first be sure that she loves him.”
“Oh, as to that, if you had only seen her beautiful eyes filled with such sad tears because she cannot accept his love, you would have no doubts as to her feelings.”
“Then my course is clear. I am a Christian gentleman and will not see savage torture inflicted on my blue-eyed hermanita. I think I know how to fix it up.”
“What will you do?”
“Quien sabe just this minute, but it will be something, depend upon it. There he is now,” and Clarence came, followed by a waiter bringing the champagne and ice. He looked disappointed at not finding Mercedes.
“That little sister of ours I fear has given us the slip. I think I'll go and fetch her bodily,” George said, rising to go.
“No; let me go,” said Elvira. When George was left alone with Clarence he said:
“I fear that Mercedes is very unhappy, she left when she saw us coming, Elvira says, because she feared her eyes showed traces of tears.”