hand while he poured out his thanks in a voice thick
with feeling, his eyes glittering with more than vic-
tory. He did not lose sight of his ultimate designs
and pledge himself to external friendship, but he un-
wittingly conveyed the impression that Spain had
that day made a friend she ill could afford to lose;
and his three visitors rose well pleased with the cul-
mination of the interview.

"You must stay here no longer, Rezanov," said
Don Jose, as they were taking leave. "My house is
now literally your own. It will be some weeks be-
fore the large quantities of corn and flour and other
stores you wish can be got together--for we must
lay a requisition on the fertile Mission ranchos in
the valleys--and you will exchange these narrow
quarters for such poor comfort as my house affords
--I take no denial. Concha will remain at Juan
Moraga's for the present."



XXI

Concha, after her father left her, sat for a long
while in an attitude of such complete repose that
Sturgis, watching her miserably from the veranda,
remembered the consolations of his sketch book;
and he was able to counterfeit the graceful, proud
figure, under the wall and roses, before she stirred.