ere
something like five weeks."

"California hospitality is a mere legend except in San Francisco. In the
small communities it has never existed in my time, although they used to
dance a good deal before cards turned their heads. You will find just as
much haggling over a five-cent piece here as in any small New England
town. These rich men have made their money by hoarding and wary
investments, rarely speculating; and that tells immensely on the
character. I doubt if the State itself has ever known the meaning of
hospitality since the old ranch days, when, of course, it was prodigal.
It is the San Franciscans that have kept the tradition alive; they are
as reckless, as extravagant, as royally indifferent to mere money as in
the famous Fifties. If you happen to call too close to a meal-time in
one of these towns, the meal will be postponed until you leave. In San
Francisco they would give you two-thirds of their last crust. At the old
Rosewater dances we never had anything but cake and lemonade--ice-cream
in very hot weather. I think it would be a good idea to give them a
shock and have a supper from town."

"I believe you are socially ambitious," said Gwynne, smiling. "No doubt
it is your intention to make a fortune and lead San Francisco society."

"Perhaps, but not in the way you mean."

XV

The long-closed bar-room of Old Inn was aired for a week, denuded of
cobwebs, delivered of mice, canvassed by the invaluable Chuma. The
Rosewater Hotel promised to contribute its Sunday band of four pieces,
manipulated with no mean skill by worthy but unprosperous young
citizens. Not one of Isabel's invitations was refused. The girls
suddenly discovered that they were still young, and were as much excited
at the prospect of a night's dancing as at meeting the English rancher.
The men accepted as a matter of course, thankful to be asked to
anything. The older people, surprised at an invitation to a dance,
assured one another that Isabel Otis, being absurdly extravagant, and
living two miles out in the country, was almost certain to regale her
guests with fried oysters and ice-cream. One or two of her mother's old
friends wrote and offered to contribute a chocolate cake, but were
relieved when she refused to "trouble them." Gwynne and Isabel hung the
walls of the big room with palm leaves, and branches covered thick with
small yellow oranges, the first of the year. When they rested from their
labors Isabel declared th