He falls into sudden friendship with the young
soldier-sculptor. He compliments Madame Josephine. He pleases the
modest Louise, and is at home at once with Padre Francisco.
After a friendly chat, he says resolutely:
"Now, padre, you and I want to have a talk over our young friend
here. Let us go up to his room a little."
Seated in the boy's studio, Woods shows the practical sense which
carried him to the front in the struggle for wealth.
"I tell you what I'll do," he says. "I'm going out to the coast
in a month or so. I'll look this up a little. If I want our young
friend here, I'll send you a cable, and you can start him out to
me. My banker will rig him out in good style. Just as well he comes
under another name. See? Padre, you take a ride with me to-morrow.
We will talk it all over."
The Californian's questions and sagacity charm the padre. He is
now smoking one of those blessed "Imperiales." An innocent pleasure.
They rise to join the circle below. A thought animates the priest.
Yes, he will confer with the clear-headed man and tell him of the
child below, whose pathway is unguarded by a parent's love.
Around the frugal board Colonel Joe enters into the family spirit.
He insists on having Raoul come to him for a conference about his
portraiture in marble.
Pages:
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439