Under
the influence of Chablis, the Californians become intimate.
Raoul arrives with news that Madame de Santos will be pleased to have
the gentlemen call next day in the afternoon. After an arrangement
about the bust, the horses, champing before the doors, bear the elders
to the Bois, now beginning to abandon its battle-field appearance.
Long is their conference on that ride. Pere Francois is thoughtful,
as he spends his evening hour at dominoes with Aristide Dauvray.
His eyes stray to fair Louise, busied with her needie. At last,
he has a man of the world to lean on, in tracing up this child's
parentage. Raoul and Armand are deep in schemes to enrich Joe's queer
collection, the nucleus of that "bachelor ranch," "Ophir Villa."
In all the bravery of diamonds and goldsmithing the Westerner
descends from his carriage, at the doors of Madame de Santos, next
day.
Pale-faced, aristocratic Pere Francois is a foil to the "occidental
king." Mind and matter.
Waiting for the Donna, the gentlemen admire her salon.
Pictures, objets d'art, dainty bibelots, show the elegance of a
queen of the "monde."
"Beats a steamboat," murmurs Colonel Joe, as the goddess enters
the domain.
There is every grace in her manner.
Pages:
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441