andro? No, but mutually hating
each other. The romance was over. An American would have opposed the
girl, have driven her to secrecy, to an elopement perhaps. Eh?

Morton (scornfully). And you believe that they have abandoned their
plans?

Don Jose. I am sure--hush! she is here!

Enter, on roof of corridor, STARBOTTLE and JOVITA.

Col. Starbottle. Really, a superb landscape! An admirable view of
the--er--fog--rolling over the Mission Hills, the plains below, and
the--er--er--single figure of--er--motionless horseman--

Dona Jovita (quickly). Some belated vaquero. Do you smoke, Senor
Commander?

Starbottle. At times.

Dona Jovita. With me. I will light a cigarette for you: it is the
custom.

COL. STARBOTTLE draws match from his pocket, and is about to light, but
is stopped by DONA JOVITA.

Dona Jovita. Pardon, your Excellency, but we cannot endure your American
matches. There is a taper in the passage.

COL. STARBOTTLE brings taper: DONA JOVITA turns to light cigarette, but
manages to blow out candle.

Dona Jovita. I must try your gallantry again. That is once I have
failed. (Significantly.)

COL. STARBOTTLE relights candle, business, same results.

Dona Jovita. I am stupid and nervous to-night. I have failed twice.
(With emphasis.)

COL. STARBOTTLE repeats business with candle. DONA JOVITA lights
cigarette, hands it to the colonel.

Dona Jovita. Thrice, and I have succeeded. (Blows out candle.)

Col. Starbottle. A thousand thanks! There is a--er--er--light on the
plain.

Dona Jovita (hastily). It is the vaqueros returning. My father gives a
festa to peons in honor of your arrival. There will be a dance. You have
been patient, Senor Commander: you shall have my hand for a waltz.

Enter vaqueros, their wives and daughters. A dance, during which the
"sembi canca" is danced by COL. STARBOTTLE and DONA JOVITA. Business,
during which the bell of Mission Church, faintly illuminated beyond the
wall, strikes twelve. Dancers withdraw hurriedly, leaving alone MANUELA,
DONA JOVITA, COL. STARBOTTLE, DON JOSE, and CONCHO. CONCHO formally
hands keys to Don Jose.

Don Jose (delivering keys to MORTON with stately impressiveness). Take
them, Don Alexandro Morton, and with them all that they unlock for
bliss or bale. Take them, noble guest, and with them the homage of this
family,--to-night, Don Alexandro, your humble servants. Good-night,
gentlemen. May a thousand angels attend you, O Don Alexandro and Don
Culp