subject of our marriage again. The Governor
makes no sign that he knows of any aspiration of
mine above corn, but he informed me to-day that
California is doomed to abandonment, that the In-
dians are hopeless, that Spain will withdraw troops
before she will send others, and that the country
will either revert to savagery or fall a prey to the
first enterprising outsider. As he was in compari-
son cheerful before, I fancy he apprehends the irre-
sistible appeal of your father's surrender."

Concha nodded. "If my father yields he will see
that you have everything else that you wish. He
may have advocated meeting your wishes in other
respects in order to leave you without excuse to lin-
ger, but that argument is not strong enough for the
Governor, whereas if he made up his mind to ac-
cept you as a son he would throw the whole force
of his character and will into the scale; and when
he reaches that pitch he wins--with men. I must,
must bring you good fortune," she added anxiously.
"Marriage with a little California girl--are you
sure it will not ruin your career?"

"I can think of nothing that would advantage it
more. What are you going to call me?"

"I cannot say Petrovich or Nicolai--my Spanish
tongue rebels. I shall call you Pedro. That is a
very pretty name with us."