“How much the boys look like the old man,” Tom said.
“They look like Englishmen,” was Clarence's next observation.
“Yes, particularly Victoriano; he is so light he looks more like a German, I think,” said Romeo.
“I think Gabriel is very handsome,” Tom said, “only of late he seems always so sad or thoughtful.”
“That won't do for a man who is to marry soon,” said Romeo. “I think he has always been rather reserved. He has only a cold salutation to give, while Victoriano will be laughing and talking to everybody. But, perhaps, you are right, and he is changed. I think he is less reconciled than the others, to have us, settlers, helping ourselves to what they consider their land. He certainly was far more talkative four or five years ago. I used to work with them in ploughing and harvesting time, and both boys, and the Don, were always very kind to me, and I can't help liking them.”
“The ladies, though, ain't so affable. They are very proud,” said Tom; “they walk like queens.”
“They didn't seem proud to me, but I never spoke to them,” said Romeo.
Gasbang went forward to meet his guests, and all came into the porch.
“Good afternoon, gentlemen,” said Don Mariano to the settlers, lifting his hat and bowing. His sons and Mr. Mechlin did the same. Clarence arose, and so did the other young men with him, returning their salutation. The elder Darrell, Pittikin and Hughes followed this example; the other settlers nodded only, and remained sitting with their hats on, looking with affected indifference at the trees beyond.
“I thank you for your courtesy in complying with my request to have this meeting,” he said. Some nodded, others grinned and winked, others smiled silently.