"What charming persons," remarked Aunt Mary as they drove on. "If all the old Spanish families were like this one, I do not wonder that poets and story-writers lament their passing away."
"Many are like them," rejoined Mauricio. "The Señora has done much good in her time. Once they were a very rich family."
"How very dark the girl and boy are," said Mrs. Page.
"The boy, mother--the boy looks like Francisco. Don't you think so, Mauricio?" asked Walter.
"I have never thought of it," the Indian replied. Francisco said nothing.
They had not gone far when they met two Indians, a man and a woman, both considerably advanced in years, carrying bundles of fagots on their shoulders.
"Ay, ay!" called Mauricio. "_Como estan ustedes, Concilio Valeriano?_"
"Ay, ay, Mauricio! We did not know you. We are not so young as we once were," the old man said. "We do not see so well."
"But you are strong and well still," rejoined Mauricio. "We have been at the camp. We have seen the Señora. These ladies and gentlemen I have been giving a ride to-day."
"Well, well," said the old woman; "and is this not Francisco?"
"Yes, yes, and handsome, too!" exclaimed the old woman. "We are glad to have seen you. How is Cecilio, and Maria, and Juan Diego?"
"All are well," replied Mauricio. "_Adios._"
"_Adios!_" rejoined the pair and, bowing politely to the occupants of the wagon, they passed on.
"They are the servants of the Señora," said Mauricio, when they had resumed their way. "They have lived many, many years with her. They are related to us, both husband and wife."
The moon had risen when they reached the camp. Charlie was awaiting them with a good dinner. Mrs. Page insisted that Mauricio and Francisco partake.
When the rest of the family had retired Mr. Page, not feeling sleepy, went out for a walk and a smoke.
Near the springs he met the stage-driver, about to fill a pail with hot water. After having told him of their drive and the meeting with the Almirantes, Mr. Page said:
"They are--what is left of them," rejoined old Chadwick. "Forty year I've known them. The old Señora is as proud as Lucifer. Captain, I can tell you that, nice as she is. She's never got over that mistake of her son--never will; though she's a mother to both them children."