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Kirk is certain to succeed, and old Anthony will come round, if I know American fathers." Garavel smiled, well pleased that he had treated his recent visitor with proper consideration. After all, why not invite the young fellow to his house? That would be rather a significant step according to Spanish custom; yet he need not be bound by it. He could put a stop to the affair at any time.
I never saw her so excited. Let me know as soon as you can which dance it will be. This suspense Gad! There they are now! Go to it, old man." Into the lobby came a mixed group, in which were Andres Garavel, his daughter, Ramon Alfarez, and the Cortlandts. Kirk's face was white as he went boldly to meet them, but he did his best to smile unconcernedly.
"What difference would that make, if the young people love each other?" "Certainly," Cortlandt agreed. "They are not children." "As for love, Ramon loves, and my daughter will love also, once she is married, for she is a Garavel." "If Ramon isn't satisfactory to her, ought you to force her inclination?" Mrs. Cortlandt offered, eagerly.
Through a series of natural transitions the conversation was brought around to politics, and Garavel was adroitly sounded. But he displayed little interest, maintaining a reserve that baffled them. It was impossible to betray him into an expression of feeling favorable to their views.
You see, their part in the Colombian affair makes them strong with the leaders, and they have already whipped the foreign influences into line. Of course, it will mean a fight Alfarez won't give up easily but, if Garavel should be the next President, it would be a fine thing for both countries." The other commissioner shook his white head doubtfully.
"I I don't see how you ever did it, you're such a blamed fool. Now let's go back to the house, it's sundown." "We'll be along directly," his son assented. "There are chills in the evening air," Mr. Garavel protested. "I'm sorry, but we were waiting for the fairies. They were almost in sight when you frightened them away." Gertrudis nodded. "It is quite true, Senor Antonio.
It was the first time she had ever gone to see him, for she was in the habit of bringing people to her, but this was no ordinary occasion, and she knew the crafty old Spaniard would be awaiting her with eagerness. Her interview with him was short, however, and when she emerged from his house she ordered the coachman to drive directly to the Garavel Bank.
If she stayed away-why, then he would have to believe that, after all, the real Gertrudis Garavel had spoken last night at the opera, and that the sprightly, mirthful little maid who had bewitched him on their first meeting no longer existed. An odd bashfulness overtook him. It did not seem to him that it could possibly have been he who had talked to her so boldly only the evening before.
Unlike the Garavel home, the house which the Cortlandts had leased was set upon the water- front, its rear balcony overlooking the sea where it lapped the foundation of the city wall. It was a delightful old place, shut off from the street by a yard filled with flowering plants and shrubs, and, though flanked in true Spanish fashion by stores and shops, it was roomy and comfortable.
I would not easily forgive myself if this affair of ours caused you to fall ill." "Oh, I am all right a little tired, that's all. I don't sleep well." "It is worry over this thing." Cortlandt smiled crookedly. "I am not the one to worry; I am not the one at the head. Surely you know what people say that I am her office-boy?" Garavel found it hard to laugh this off gracefully.
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