The girl is fair and modest. Francois Ribaut often wonders if the
young man sees the rare beauty of the Spanish maiden. If it would
come to pass!
Over his beads, the padre murmurs, "It may be well. All well in
time."
The cause drags on slowly. After months, the famous case of the
Lagunitas rancho is fought and won.
But before its last coil has dragged out of the halls of justice,
harassed and broken in spirit, Don Miguel closes his eyes upon the
ruin of his race. Born to sorrow, Donna Juanita is a mere shade
of womanly sorrow. She is not without comfort, for the last of the
Peraltas has placed his child's hand in that of Maxime Valois and
whispered his blessing.
"You will be good to my little Dolores, amigo mio," murmurs the old
man. He loves the man whose lance has been couched in his behalf.
The man who saved his life and lands.
Padre Francisco is overjoyed. He noted the drawing near of the young
hearts. A grateful flash, lighting the shining eyes of Dolores, told
the story to Maxime. His defence of her father, his championship
of the family cause, his graceful demeanor fill sweet Dolores' idea
of the perfect "caballero."
The priest with bell, book, and candle, gives all the honors of
the Church to the last lord of Lagunitas.
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