“No,” laconically answered Doña Josefa.
“Why should we?” queried Carlota.
“Because they are neighbors like the Mechlins,” Victoriano replied.
“Old Mathews is our neighbor, too,” said Rosario.
“But he is a thief,” replied Victoriano.
“Isn't to steal land robbery?” asked Carlota.
“The Darrells occupy the land they selected, with my consent, so I hope no one in my family will do them the injustice to say that they have stolen our land, or that they are squatters,” said Don Mariano firmly. Then added: “But I do not desire any one of you to speak of this matter with anybody. Only remember, the Darrells are not squatters.”
“What shall we say, for instance, if the Holmans should notice that we are very friendly to the Darrells, but not so towards the squatters?” Rosario asked.
“I think the Holmans will be too well-bred to ask questions,” said Doña Josefa.
“They are well-bred, but they are very intimate friends,” Rosario said