: in fact, she might very reasonably ask the
same question of me. And if I were to tell her that I had only ridden
over to spend a sentimental hour beneath her window, what would she say?
If she answered in the same lingo she used just now, I should be as wise
as before. After all, it may have been somebody else. The image in my
mind projected itself on her countenance. I certainly must be in love!
I almost wish I'd never come here. This complication about the general's
irrigating scheme makes it awkward. I'm bound not to explain things to
him; and yet, if I don't, and he discovers (as he can't help doing) what
I am here for, nothing will persuade him that I haven't been playing
a double game; and that would not be a promising preliminary towards
becoming a member of his family. If Miriam were only Grace, now, it
would be plain sailing. Hello! who's this? Senor Don Miguel, as I'm a
sinner! What is he up to, pray? Can this be the explanation of
Miriam's escapade? I have a strong desire to blow a hole through that
fellow!--Buenas noches, Senor de Mendoza! I am enchanted to have the
unexpected honor of meeting you."

Senor de Mendoza turned round, disagreeably startled. It is only fair to
explain that he had not come hither with any lover-like designs towards
Miriam. Grace was the magnet that had drawn his steps to the Trednokes'
garden, and the truth is that that enterprising young lady was not
without a suspicion that he might turn up. Could this information have
been imparted to Freeman, it would have saved much trouble; but, as
it was, not only did he jump to the conclusion that Don Miguel was his
rival (and, seemingly, a not unsuccessful one), but a similar misgiving
as to Freeman's purposes towards Grace found its way into the heart of
the Spaniard. It was a most perverse trick of fate.

The two men contemplated each other, each after his own fashion: Don
Miguel pale, glaring, bristling; Freeman smiling, insolent, hectoring.

"Why are you here, senor?" demanded the former, at length.

"Partly, senor, because such is my pleasure. Partly, to inform you that
your presence here offends me, and to humbly request you to be off."

"Senor, this is an impertinence."

"Senor, one is not impertinent to prowling greasers. One admonishes
them, and, if they do not obey, one chastises them."

"Do you talk of chastising Don Miguel de Mendoza? Senor, I will wash out
that insult with your blood!"

"Excellent! It is at your ser