"But he can apologize for them," Don Mariano said.

"And would that satisfy you?" Carlota asked.

"It would have to," was the Don's answer.

"Oh! papa!" Rosario exclaimed.

"What then? Shall I go and shoot the old fool?"

"I believe he would enjoy that, he is so full of fight," Victoriano said, recommencing his laughing.

"I fear his anger will not abate as long as the bruises of the _reata_ remain painful," Gabriel said, thoughtfully.

"Did you draw the _lazo_ very tight?" Don Mariano asked.

"Not intentionally, but he himself did so by stooping forward as his horse galloped. Every time he did so the noose became more closely drawn until he could scarcely breathe."

"This is a bad business, George," the Don said to his son-in-law, who had remained a silent listener to all.

"Yes, sir; but let us hope that between Clarence and Mrs. Darrell they will pacify the old man. The thing now is to give him time to cool off his anger," George replied.

"If those squatters could be kept away, Darrell would come to his senses much sooner," Mr. Mechlin said.

"That's it exactly," Gabriel added; "they make the mischief."

"But why does he allow it?" Dona Josefa said.

"Because he loves the smell of gunpowder, and they are full of it," Tano explained.

"I think Mrs. Darrell ought to prevent those horrible creatures from invading her house," Carlota said.

"They only go to the 'colony.' The old buster wants them there. He would smash the furniture if his pets were not allowed to come to lick his boots," Victoriano asserted, positively.

"You don't speak very respectfully of your future father-in-law," George said to Victoriano, laughing.

"Not at present. Not when I have just seen him running away like a chicken thief, just caught with a turkey under each arm," Tano replied, lapsing into another fit of laughter.

"Oh, Tano! if you care for Alice, how can you so ridicule her father?"

Mercedes exclaimed, speaking for the first time. And without waiting for a reply, she turned away and went to her room.

There she remained inconsolable, her lovely face often bathed in tears.

She did not go to bed; she hoped that Clarence might possibly have finished his business in town and hurried back. She watched for the faintest sound all night.

In the morning Madame Halier came to see her, and immediately went to report to Dona Josefa the state of Mercedes' eyes. Don Mariano came in at once and took his pet in his arms.

"Papa, you said you were going to-day. Please don't go," she begged.

"Why not, my pet? I shall go only a little ways with those stupid Indians who keep letting the cattle turn back. I shall return before dark," he said, smoothing her golden hair.

"Papa, please don't go. I want you to be here when Clarence returns. Let the cattle be. I want you here. You may never see Clarence again in this world if you go." And she put her pale cheek against her father's and sobbed convulsively.

"What an idea! Why shouldn't I see Clarence again if I ride one or two miles? My baby darling, you are too nervous. You have cried all night, and now your mind is in a whirl of sad visions. Do not exaggerate the mischief that Darrell might do. He will probably say very insulting things to Clarence, but Clarence is as true as steel, and has a very clear head."

"I know that. I am sure of him. He is so true. But, papa, can I marry him after what his father said to you, and when he tried to strike you?

Can I marry him after that, papa?"

"Why not, pray? What he said is an infamous lie, and because Darrell chooses to indulge in mean thoughts and atrocious language, is that a reason why you and Clarence should be made wretched for life? If Darrell did not permit men like Gasbang, and others influenced by Peter Roper, to come near him, his ears would not hear such low, vulgar suggestions.

As long as we know that Clarence is a gentleman, and he behaves as such, I shall not permit that you two be separated by anything that Darrell may do or say."

"But, papa, you will keep out of Mr. Darrell's way."

"Certainly, my poor little darling. Don't be afraid; Darrell will not attack me again."

The Don talked in this consoling and reassuring way to his favorite child until he saw that he had quieted her. She promised to eat breakfast and then try to sleep.

"It won't do to look at Clarence through such swollen orbs. You had better let Tano give you one of his graphic accounts of the battle of Alamar, as he calls Darrell's performance, and make you laugh."

"No, I couldn't laugh. I wouldn't if I could."

"Very well. To sleep is the best for you."

He kissed her and soon after he and Gabriel went on their way. They quickly overtook the herders, who were driving the lot of cattle which had started at daylight. The Don was confident of returning at sundown, and glad to leave Mercedes more contented and hopeful, he rode away cheerfully.

CHAPTER XXVII.-_Darrell Astonishes Himself._

Mercedes felt so comforted by what her father had said, that in less than ten minutes after he left she was sleeping like the good child that she was. Madam Halier watched her slumbers, coming to the door every few minutes. And when she had slept and felt refreshed, she had a bath and a luncheon of tea, cold chicken, fresh peaches with cream, and fresh grapes just cut from the vines; then she was ready to dress herself and take up her embroidery. She was afraid her eyes would yet be too swollen for her to go into the parlor or veranda, and perhaps meet George or Mr.

Mechlin. So she stayed in her room.

But she was missed, and George came to knock at her door, and being asked to come in, he did so, making a profound bow. Then counting on his fingers as he spoke, began:

"Dona Josefa, Dona Beatrice, Dona Carlota, Dona Rosario, Dona Elvira, Dona Carolina, Dona Elizabeth, all request the pleasure of your company at a canning performance to take place this afternoon in the kitchen of Dona Beatrice."

Mercedes laughed, asking: "Are they really going to do the canning? Who knows about it?"

"They all know, theoretically, but as to practice, that '_quien sabe_.'

However, they are going to peal peaches by the bushel this evening, so they will all dine there."

"Doesn't mamma expect papa to dinner?" asked she, alarmed; "I hope so."

"I'll go and inquire," George said, going; but she followed him, trembling-she did not know why. She took George's arm, and both went to the piazza, where Carlota, Rosario and Dona Josefa were waiting for George to go with them.

"Mamma, don't you expect papa to dinner?" asked she.

"Yes, but he might be late; so we will dine at Mrs. Mechlin's, and he and Gabriel will take supper here on their return."