XVIII

There was no performance after all in the Presidio
square that night, for the bear brought in from the
hills to do honor to the Russians died of excitement,
and it rained besides. Rezanov made the storm his
excuse for not dining and dancing as usual at the
house of the Commandante. But the relations be-
tween the Presidio and the Juno during the next
few days were by no means strained. Davidov and
Khostov were always with the Spanish officers,
drinking and card playing, or improving their danc-
ing and Spanish with the girls, whose guitars were
tuned for the waltz day and night. The dignitaries
met as usual and conversed on all topics save those
paramount in the minds of each. Nevertheless,
there were three significant facts as well known to
Rezanov as had they been aired to his liking.

He had sought an interview with Father Abella,
and tactfully ignoring the question of his marriage,
had persuaded that astute and influential priest to
make the proposition regarding his cargo that Con-
cha had suggested. The priest, backed by his three
coadjutors, had made it, and been repulsed with
fury. From another quarter Rezanov learned that
during his absence little else was discussed in the