a year had been supporting them behind his father-in-law's back, took
advantage of this occasion to overcome the old man's resentment.

"Well, I'll forgive her," said the ranchman finally. "I'll do it for the
sake of my poor wife and for you. She may remain on the ranch, and that
shameless gringo may come with her."

But he would have nothing to do with him. The German was to be an
employee under Desnoyers, and they could live in the office building as
though they did not belong to the family. He would never say a word to
Karl.

But scarcely had the German returned before he began giving him orders
rudely as though he were a perfect stranger. At other times he would
pass by him as though he did not know him. Upon finding Elena in the
house with his older daughter, he would go on without speaking to her.

In vain his Romantica transfigured by maternity, improved all
opportunities for putting her child in his way, calling him loudly by
name: "Julio . . . Julio!"

"They want that brat of a singing gringo, that carrot top with a face
like a skinned kid to be my grandson? . . . I prefer Celedonio's."

And by way of emphasizing his protest, he entered the dwelling of his
overseer, scattering among his dusky brood handfuls of dollars.

After seven years of marriage, the wife of Desnoyers found that she,
too, was going to become a mother. Her sister already had three sons.
But what were they worth to Madariaga compared to the grandson that was