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Updated: June 29, 2025
Doña Eustaquia, hard and stern, praying for the triumph of her people, lived alone in the old house. Benicia, praying for the return of her husband and the relenting of her mother, lived alone in her little house on the hill. Friends had interceded, but Doña Eustaquia had closed her ears. Brotherton went to her one day with the news that Lieutenant Russell was wounded.
I am the Señora Doña Eustaquia Carillo de Ortega, and my house is there on the hill you can see the light, no? Always we shall be glad to see you." He doffed his cap again and bent over her hand. "And I, John Brotherton, a humble captain in the United States navy, do sincerely thank the most famous woman of Monterey for her gracious hospitality.
I was weak to consent, but these young people importuned me until I was weary. Doña Eustaquia, I married Benicia to the Señor Russell to-day." Doña Eustaquia's head had moved forward mechanically, her eyes staring incredulously from the priest to the other members of the apprehensive group.
Eustaquia, with her small brilliant eyes, irregular features, and brilliant colour, was handsome rather than beautiful, but full of fire, fascination, and spirit. Half the Presidio was in love with her, and that she was a shameless coquette she would have been the last to deny.
But, although he talked agreeably, it was a matter for comment that he loved books and illuminated manuscripts more than the world, and that he was as ambitious as his superior abilities justified. "Very well," said Doña Concepción, impatiently. "Eustaquia, go in." Eustaquia made short work of her confession. She was followed by Elena, Lola, Mariana, and Amanda.
"By Jove, I don't dare to go near Doña Eustaquia," said Russell to Brotherton. "And I'm afraid we won't have our picnic. It seems to me the Commodore need not have used such strong language about California's idol. The very people in the streets are ready to unlimb us; and as for the peppery Doña " "Speak more respectfully of Doña Eustaquia, young man," said the older officer, severely.
Doña Eustaquia rose and greeted her guests with grace and hospitality. "But I am glad to see you, my father, my friends. And you always are welcome, Señor Russell; but no more joke. Where is our Blandina? Sit down Why, what is it?" The priest spoke. "I have that to tell you, Doña Eustaquia, which I fear will give you great displeasure. I hoped not to be the one to tell it.
Prudencia began to cry. Then, for the moment, Chonita was forgotten. Two horses galloped into the court-yard. "Reinaldo!" The door had but an inside knob: Don Guillermo threw it open as a young man sprang up the three steps of the corridor, followed by a little man who carefully picked his way. "Yes, I am here, my father, my mother, my sister, my Prudencia! Ay, Eustaquia, thou too."
Doña Concepción seated herself in a large chair, but her guests were not invited to relieve their weakened knees. "Did you speak any of you?" she asked in a moment. Five heads shook emphatically. "But?" Eustaquia, Elena, and Lola drew a long breath, then confessed their misdoings glibly enough. "And the others?" "They had no chance," said Eustaquia, with some sarcasm.
She sprang upward with a loud cry, the body curving rigidly; her soft brown eyes stared horribly; froth gathered about her mouth; she gasped once or twice, her body writhing from the agonized arms that strove to hold it, then fell limply down, her features relaxing. "She is dead," said the nurse. "Benicia!" whispered Doña Eustaquia. "Benicia!"
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