“He shrugs his shoulders, caresses his side-whiskers, and says he thinks that some of the other indorsers are insolvent, because their property has depreciated so much that it would bring nothing if sold; while those that have some means, no doubt, put everything out of their hands, so I am left alone to pay the entire sum.”
The sad dialogue of the grandpapas was now interrupted, as they were called to witness the glee of the babies at the sight of the illuminated Christmas-tree. When the surprise of first sight was over, little Mariano Mechlin stretched out both hands for the colored candles. His uncle Tano gave him a tin trumpet, teaching him how to blow it; whereupon baby Mechlin gave the company a blast, and looked so surprised at his own performance, and gazed around so triumphantly and yet so perplexed, that he made everybody laugh. Josefita looked at her cousin distrustfully and gave her arms to her papa, as if she thought Marianito was entirely too martial for the vicinity of peaceful babies like herself. Gabriel took her near the tree to select any toy she liked. She fancied a string of bright balls, which her father gave her. The babies were allowed to be in the parlor for nearly an hour, and they were so bright, trying to repeat what was taught them, that it was really amusing to watch them. Marianito sang for the company; all were surprised to hear so young a baby sing so well. None enjoyed more heartily their cunning ways than the two grandfathers, especially Don Mariano, and both babies clung to him when the nurses came to take them to bed.
When the babies had made their exit, the children of larger growth had their music and dancing until ten, supper being then announced. On returning to the parlor, after supper, the clock upon the mantel struck twelve; at the same time a curtain ran up, and an altar was disclosed to view, tastefully decorated in the Roman Catholic style, having statues of the Virgin Mary, the divine infant, enveloped in fleecy drapery, and St. Joseph standing by his side. Behind the cradle were three magi, and further off, the hills of Judea were seen. As all the company were Roman Catholics, all entered into the spirit of the commemoration, and joined with true feeling in the carol led by Mrs. Darrell and Alice. Other sacred songs were sung, and then all retired for the night; the Darrells promising to come on the following evening to have another dance, because—said Victoriano—it must be celebrated that they had heard from Clarence, and that he had found his legs, meaning that he (Tano) had again the use of his limbs.
Christmas Day was passed very happily, and in the evening the young people assembled in the parlor for a dance. Don Mariano excused himself to Mr. Mechlin, saying he felt badly, and thought that he ought to be in bed.
At about eleven o'clock he sat up in bed and looked around as if wishing to speak. Gabriel and Mercedes were sitting by his bed, and promptly asked if he wished for anything.
“The sins of our legislators have brought us to this,” he exclaimed, leaning back. Presently he said: “Call your mother, my son.”
Gabriel called his mother, who being in the next room, talking with Mrs. Mechlin, was quickly by his side.
“Call Elvira and Tano. Call Carlota and Rosario and George. Call all, all, quickly! I fear, my beloved son, I fear I am dying! Bring all my girls; I must bless them all!”
Mercedes had her arms around him. He looked at her lovingly.
“My baby, kiss me. Tell Clarence I bless him with my last breath.” His voice began to fail him, but his eyes seemed glowing with an intensity that was startling. He sat up again, looking at each one of the anxious faces around his bed. “God bless you all, my beloved ones,” said he, hoarsely.