“So much the better,” George said, and both shook hands with Gabriel, who quickly jumped on his horse and was off at a gallop, followed by his vaquero.
It was the hour when the babies got their morning bath. George had great pleasure in seeing his boy enjoy the sensation of floating in the water; so he let Clarence return to the porch where Mercedes was now alone, and he went to watch the bathing of his boy.
Clarence sat close to Mercedes and said: “Does the sweetest thing that God created realize that this day is the first day of September?”
“If you mean me, though you make me feel very foolish with your exaggerated praise, I must say that I do realize that to-day is the first of September,” she replied, smiling.
“And does the loveliest rosebud and the prettiest hummingbird remember that in two weeks more she is to be mine, mine forever?”
“Hush, Clarence, some one might hear you,” she said, putting her hand over his lips, blushing and looking around, alarmed. He took that hand and kissed the palm of it, then turned it over and kissed the back of it most ardently, and held it in his own, saying:
“I have a piece of information that is going to make your dear heart glad. What will you give for it?”
“What is it? Do tell me. Is it about papa?”
“No, but it is about Gabriel and Lizzie.”
“What?”