"What an idea! Why shouldn't I see Clarence again if I ride one or two miles? My baby darling, you are too nervous. You have cried all night, and now your mind is in a whirl of sad visions. Do not exaggerate the mischief that Darrell might do. He will probably say very insulting things to Clarence, but Clarence is as true as steel, and has a very clear head."
"I know that. I am sure of him. He is so true. But, papa, can I marry him after what his father said to you, and when he tried to strike you? Can I marry him after that, papa?"
"Why not, pray? What he said is an infamous lie, and because Darrell chooses to indulge in mean thoughts and atrocious language, is that a reason why you and Clarence should be made wretched for life? If Darrell did not permit men like Gasbang, and others influenced by Peter Roper, to come near him, his ears would not hear such low, vulgar suggestions. As long as we know that Clarence is a gentleman, and he behaves as such, I shall not permit that you two be separated by anything that Darrell may do or say."
"But, papa, you will keep out of Mr. Darrell's way."
"Certainly, my poor little darling. Don't be afraid; Darrell will not attack me again."
The Don talked in this consoling and reassuring way to his favorite child until he saw that he had quieted her. She promised to eat breakfast and then try to sleep.
"It won't do to look at Clarence through such swollen orbs. You had better let Tano give you one of his graphic accounts of the battle of Alamar, as he calls Darrell's performance, and make you laugh."
"No, I couldn't laugh. I wouldn't if I could."
"Very well. To sleep is the best for you."
He kissed her and soon after he and Gabriel went on their way. They quickly overtook the herders, who were driving the lot of cattle which had started at daylight. The Don was confident of returning at sundown, and glad to leave Mercedes more contented and hopeful, he rode away cheerfully.
CHAPTER XXVII.--_Darrell Astonishes Himself._
Mercedes felt so comforted by what her father had said, that in less than ten minutes after he left she was sleeping like the good child that she was. Madam Halier watched her slumbers, coming to the door every few minutes. And when she had slept and felt refreshed, she had a bath and a luncheon of tea, cold chicken, fresh peaches with cream, and fresh grapes just cut from the vines; then she was ready to dress herself and take up her embroidery. She was afraid her eyes would yet be too swollen for her to go into the parlor or veranda, and perhaps meet George or Mr. Mechlin. So she stayed in her room.