"Yes," assented Miss Sallie proudly, "my girls are about as fine as any to be found in the world, I think. They are wholesome, sensible, and never cowardly. Undoubtedly they saved Ten Eyck Hall for you, Major, by their combined efforts, and by Bab's bravery in watering the roof when the sparks began to fly."
"You were just as wonderful as the girls, Sallie, my dear. They tell me you superintended the digging of the trench and managed your men with the coolness of a general; and that when the fire leaped over the trench you were there with the bucket brigade to put it out. The girls were no whit less courageous in your day than they are now, Sallie."
"And what is the second blessing you have to be thankful for, John?" interrupted Miss Sallie.
"That José is the boy I took him to be--a good, honest, noble fellow."
"I must say I liked him from the first moment I set eyes upon him," said Miss Stuart.
"Yes," continued the major; "his father might well be proud of him. He deserves the highest commendation for his forbearance and unselfishness in regard to that brother of his."
"How is the brother, by the way?" asked Miss Sallie.
"You know he was taken to the hospital the day after he was brought here; well, the boys went over in the car yesterday. Antonio is much better. His sister is tending him. He is very repentant, she says, and has consented to go to school and turn over a new leaf. In fact, I myself have had a long talk with him. I can see that there is great good in the boy. It has simply been perverted by evil associations."
"Ah, Major," exclaimed his old friend, smiling indulgently as she tapped his arm with her fan, "you are truly the most optimistic soul in the world. I hope all your golden dreams about this wretched boy's future will come true. But what about his sister!"
"José is anxious for her to go to a school in America. He believes she could not endure the restraint of a European school after her free, open-air life. She is only too anxious. She wants to cultivate her voice, and the old grandmother appears really relieved at the turn affairs have taken. She was willing to concede anything to keep the grandson out of jail."
"Then my Ruth will not be able to gratify her whim to educate the Gypsy girl," pursued Miss Sallie.