s returned.

The _saguan_ bell rings; the heavy door grates back on its hinges; and,
soon after, the horses, with the riders still on their backs, stand
panting in the _patio_.

The master of the house sallies forth to receive his guests. He sees
them hastening to assist the ladies in dismounting. But before either
cavalier can come near them, both leap lightly out of their saddles;
then, gliding into the corridor, fling their arms around Don Gregorio's
neck--daughter and grand-daughter alike calling him "papa."

They are effusively affectionate--more than usually so--for this night
both have a favour to ask of him. And he knows, or can guess, what it
is. He has not been blind to what has been passing between them, and
the young English officers. He suspects that vows have been exchanged--
a double proposal made--and anticipates a demand upon himself to
sanction it.

In both cases he is prepared to do this. For he is not unacquainted
with either the character, or social standing, of those seeking an
alliance with him. He has been aboard the British frigate, and from
Captain Bracebridge obtained information on these points. Satisfactory
in every sense. Both the young officers bear an excellent reputation.
Though differing in other respects, they are alike skilled in their
profession--each "every inch a seaman," as their commander worded it.
Besides, both are of good family--Cadwallader moderately rich--Crozier
in prospect of being immensely so--either of them fit mate for the
proudest senora in Spain. Don Gregorio's reason for supposing that on
this day engagements have been entered into, is, that the young officers
are about to take departure from the port. The _Crusader_ is under
Admiralty orders to sail for the Sandwich Islands, soon as a corvette
coming thence reaches San Francisco. Captain Bracebridge has been
commissioned by the British Government to transact some diplomatic
business with King Kamehameha. That done, he is to look in at the ports
of Panama and Callao; then home--afterwards to join the Mediterranean
squadron. As the _Crusader_, on her way to the Mediterranean, will
surely call at Cadiz, the vows this day exchanged on the shore of the
Pacific, can be thus conveniently renewed on the other side of the
Atlantic.

At dinner--which is served soon after and in sumptuous style--Don
Gregorio makes his guests aware of the fact, that he has secured
passages for Panama, and may leave San Fra