most beautiful gowns and jewels, go to
courts, see the great works of art--I am not trying to bribe you," he
stammered, flushing miserably. "God forbid that I should stoop to
anything as mean as that. But it all rushed upon me suddenly that I
could give you so much that you were made for, with this worthless
money of mine. And what happiness to be in Europe with
you--what--what--"

His voice trembled and broke, and he dared not look at her. Again she
stared through the vines. A splendid and thrilling panorama rose beyond
them, her bosom heaved, her lips parted. She saw herself in it, and
not alone. And not, alas, with the honest youth whose words had
inspired it. In a moment she shook her head and turned her eyes on the
flushed, averted face of her suitor.

"I shall never see Europe," she said gently, "and I shall never marry."

"Not if this Russian asks you?" cried Sturgis, in his jealous misery.

But Concha's anger did not rise again. "He has no intention of asking
a little California girl to share the honors of one of the most
brilliant careers in Europe," she said calmly. "Set your mind at rest.
He has paid me no more attention than is due my position as the
daughter of the Commandante, and perhaps of La Favorita. If I flirt a
little and he flirts in response, that is nothing. Is he not then a
man? But he will forget me in a month. The world, his world, is full
of pretty girls."

"A week ago you would not have said that," said Sturgis shrewdly.
"There has been nothing in your life to make you so humble."

"I cannot explain, but he seems to have brought the great world with
him. I know, I understand so many things that I had not dreamed of a
week ago. A week! Madre de Dios!"

And Sturgis, who after all was a gallant gentleman, made no comment.

XIV

Governor Arrillaga, Commandante Arguello, and Chamberlain Rezanov sat
in the familiar sala at the Presidio content in body after a culinary
achievement worthy of Padre Landaeta, but perturbed and alert of mind.
Upon the arrival of the two California dignitaries in the morning,
Rezanov had sent Davidov and Langsdorff on shore to assure them of his
gratitude and deep appreciation of the hospitality shown himself, his
officers and men. The Governor had replied with a fulsome apology for
not repairing at once to the Juno to welcome his distinguished guest in
person, and, pleading his age and the one hundred and seventy-five
English miles he had