"Thy
house, Senora, has been as my mother's house since I can remember.
Until thy gringo guests have made room for me, I leave it!"
"Senor Allen, would you like to see my birds?" invited Teresita
wickedly, her glance flicking scornfully the reproachful face of Jose,
as he turned it towards her, and dwelling with a smile upon Jack.
"Wicked one!" murmured the senora, in her heart more than half
approving the discipline.
Jose had humiliation as well as much bitterness to carry away with
him; for he saw the senor with the bright blue eyes follow gladly the
laughing Teresita to her rose garden, and as he went jingling across
the patio without waiting to summon a peon to bring him his horse, he
heard the voice of Don Andres making apology to Dade for the rudeness
of him, Jose.
CHAPTER VIII
DON ANDRES WANTS A MAJORDOMO
"Senor, those things which you desired that I should bring, I have
brought. All is of the best. Also have I brought a letter from the
Senor Weelson, and what remains of the gold the senor will find laid
carefully in the midst of his clothing. So I have done all as it
would have been done for the patron himself." In the downward sweep of
Manuel's sombrero one might read that peculiar quality of irony which
dislike loves to inject into formal courtesy.
Behind Manuel waited a peon burdened with elegant riding gear and a
bundle of clothing, and a gesture brought him forward to deposit his
load upon the porch before the gringo guest, whose "Gracias" Manuel
waved into nothingness; as did the quick shrug disdain the little
bag of gold which Jack drew from his pocket and would have tossed to
Manuel for reward.
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