CHAPTER XXVI.--_Mrs. Darrell's View of Our Land Laws._
Of all the horrible tortures that the human mind is capable of conjuringup with which to torment itself, none was greater to William Darrellthan the consciousness of being ridiculous--the conviction that peoplewere laughing at him. He had seen Victoriano and his own Everett soconvulsed with laughter, laughing at him, laughing in his presence,laughing so heartily that they could scarcely stand up. This laughter ofthe two boys was the most vivid picture in the panorama of living sceneswhich he himself had evoked. Surely if his own son laughed so heartily,everybody else would do the same. And when on his return home,Clementine had said to him most unceremoniously:
"Why, papa, what made you sit on your horse so stiff? Why did you wantto keep that rope? You looked so funny." And Clementine laughedheartily.
"Get out of my way," said he, and went to the "colony" straight andbanged the door; which meant that he wanted no one else within theprecincts of that asylum. "So I looked funny and stiff; they were alllaughing at me," he said, and with a groan of mental and physical pain,flung himself on the lounge.
Presently, Tisha came to say that supper was on the table. "I don't wantany supper," said he in the gruff tones he used when he was angry, orpretended to be. Tisha retired, but in about ten minutes she returned,carrying a tray, which she deposited on a table, saying:
"Missus says that mayhap when you rested awhile you might feel a littlehungry."
"Give me a cup of tea; I want nothing else," he said, and Tisha fixedhis tea just as she knew he liked it with plenty of rich cream and fourlumps of sugar, for Darrell's teacup held a pint; she placed the tea ona little table by the lounge and retired.
The tea seemed to refresh him in spite of himself, and he accepted theimprovement with an inward protest as if setting down an exception (aslawyers call it) by which he renounced all obligation to be grateful.
Early the settlers began to arrive at the "colony" through the side doorof the back hall. Everett joined the meeting, as Romeo came to requesthis company. Darrell gave his son a withering look, but did not speak tohim. He kept his reclining position on the lounge and his satellites satin a semi-circle around him. He soon told them he had nothingsatisfactory to say, as the Don had refused to make any explanation,alleging that he had promised Clarence to say nothing. When Clarencereturned he would clear the mystery. The settlers again recommencedtheir conjectures, and discussed the motives which must have actuatedthe Don to make a false entry, to record having received money which henever got. Land was the discussion, but there seemed no dissenting voiceas to the Don's culpability, and the sinister motives which actuated himin acting in that underhand manner. When the altercation was at thehighest, and could be heard all over the house, Mrs. Darrell walked inand, bowing to the astonished squatters, came slowly forward and stoodabout the middle of the semi-circle, though outside of it. Darrell satup and all the others stood on their feet and stared as if they had seensome Banquo spectre or other terrible ghostly apparition.
"Be seated, gentlemen, I beg of you. I have but a few words to say.Please sit down," she reiterated, seeing that every one remainedstanding.
Slowly all one by one dropped into their seats and all the faces wereturned towards her. No one thought of offering her a chair, and she didnot want one either. When all had resumed their seats, she said:
"All those amongst you, gentlemen, who think that Don Mariano Alamarinduced my son Clarence to purchase land from him are much mistaken; andall those who think Don Mariano made a false entry of a land sale, dohim an injustice."
"Who made the entry then?" Darrell asked, sharply.
"That is what I came to say. The land was bought and paid for at _my_request. If there is any blame, or crime, or guilt in the matter, _I_ amthe criminal--_I_ am the guilty one. I told my son, Clarence Darrell,that if he did not pay for the land which his father had located, Iwould never, _never_ come to live upon it. Moreover, I told my son notto mention the fact of having paid for the land, because his fatherwould think we were interfering in his business, and I did not wish himto know that the land was paid for until the question of the Don's titlewas settled. Then we would have avoided painful discussions, and theeloquence of facts (I trusted) would clearly show to my husband that hiswife and son had acted right, when we had paid the legitimate owner forhis property."
"And now, gentlemen, let me add this, only this, that I do not mean tocriticise anybody's actions or opinions, but, from my point of view, Isay, those laws which authorize you to locate homesteads upon landsclaimed as Mexican grants, those laws are wrong, and good, just, moralcitizens should not be guided by them. Settlers should wait until thetitles are finally approved or rejected. See! look back and see all themiseries that so many innocent families have suffered by locating ingood faith, their humble homes upon lands that they were forced toabandon. Our law-givers doubtless mean well, but they have--through lackof matured reflection, I think, or lack of unbiased thought--legislatedcurses upon this land of God's blessings. I love my country, as everytrue-hearted American woman should, but, with shame and sorrow, Iacknowledge that we have treated the conquered Spaniards most cruelly,and our law-givers have been most unjust to them. Those poor,defenseless ones whom our Government pledged its faith to protect, havebeen sadly despoiled and reduced to poverty.
"I have only expressed my opinion, gentlemen; I mean no slur upon yours.I hope you see now that I alone, _I am_ the one to blame for thepurchase of the land which has given so much offence. Good night,gentlemen."
So profound was the silence following Mrs. Darrell's exit, that a pincould have been heard drop. Romeo Hancock was the first to findutterance to his amazement.
"By George," he said, "but ain't she superb! I see now where Clarencegets his good sense and correct ideas."
At any other time, Darrell would have been proud of this tribute paid tothe wife he adored, with passionate, secret, unrevealed tenderness, butnow he was too angry. He even felt angry at the longing to take to hisheart that darling so resolute and yet so gentle. This longing, when hispride clamored that she was wrong and should be reproved, was anadditional torture to him. He remained silent.
"Well, I suppose that--in the language of the poets--'this settles ourhash,'" Gasbang said, and laughed at his witticism, as it was his habitto do.
Hughes and Miller laughed with him, but no one else. All were deeplyimpressed with Mrs. Darrell's words.
"I wish she had told me this before," Darrell said, and resumed hisrecumbent position.
"Yes, why didn't she?" Gasbang asked.
"Because women are bound to do mischief," Mathews replied.
"She stated her reasons very clearly," Romeo said.
"What were they?" Mathews asked.
"Can your memory be failing you already, Mr. Mathews, that you forgetwhat you just heard, or are you getting hard of hearing?" Romeoanswered.
Mathews snorted and turned his back on Romeo. Everett answered him,saying:
"My mother said that she wished the purchase to be kept quiet until theDon should have his title. Then the fact of the land being his, wouldprove the correctness of having paid for what we took, and thus alldiscussions would have been avoided. Unfortunately some busybody went tosee the entry, and came to herald his glorious discovery."
"How did she know that the Don's title would not be rejected?" Mathewsinquired.
"Her good sense told her," Romeo answered.
"I wasn't talking to you," Mathews retorted, making all laugh--and evenDarrell smiled--but he looked very pale, and Everett began to feelanxious, to see his pallor.
The conversation had now drifted to the subject of the coming survey ofthe rancho.
"I heard that the surveyor will be on the ground by the first ofOctober," Miller said.
"All right; that will give us plenty of time," Gasbang observed.
Everett said something to Romeo, who then went and whispered to hisfather, whereupon Old Hancock nodded an assent and in a few moment
ssaid:
"Well, my friends, let us go home. For the present I don't see thatanything can be done. Mr. Darrell looks fatigued, and I don't wonder atit, for we have bored him nearly to death. Let him go to bed and rest."
Evidently Mathews, Gasbang and others had no idea of going home soearly, but as Darrell said nothing, they reluctantly arose and tooktheir departure.
If Darrell had obeyed the impulse of his heart when he went up-stairs tohis bed-chamber, he would have taken his wife in his arms and, with akiss, made his peace with her; for he knew her to be true, and alwaysacting from the best motives. But there was that streak of perversitywithin, which impelled him to do or say the wrong thing, when at thesame time an inner voice was admonishing him to do the opposite.
"I am sorry, William, that I kept that matter of the land purchase fromyou. Believe me, my husband, I did so out of a desire to avoiddiscussions always painful to me. You seemed so happy here, that I hatedto bring up for argument any disagreeable subject. It was a mistake; Iregret it."
"Yes, wise women generally put their foot in it," said he, turning hisback on her.
"Can you forgive me? I am very sorry. And now I want you to take a nicewarm bath; after so much excitement it will soothe you, and you willsleep sweetly. After all, it is better that you know the whole thingnow."
"No thanks to you, though."
"That is true, but you know my maxim."
"Which one? Wise women have so many."
"To accept blessings thankfully, even when they come in disguise," shereplied, taking no notice of his sarcasm.
"I have yet to see the blessing in this."
"You will to-morrow if you will only take care now of your physicalcomfort--your health. Come, take a bath; it will prevent your having afever."
"I don't want a bath; I feel badly."
"That is why you should have it. I know your constitution well--nothingwould be better for you than warm bathing. Be reasonable, please. I feeltired, too; I would like to go to bed."
"Why don't you, then?"
"Because I wanted first to see you resting for the night."
"I don't know that I'll go to bed. I think I'll sleep in this chair."
"Very well, then, I shall go into Clarence's room and sleep there! Itwould keep me awake to know that you were sitting up."
"Do as you please."
"Can it be possible, William, that you refuse to go to bed because youare too angry with me to have me lie by your side?"
He said nothing, but looked very pale. She waited; he never said a word.
"Very well, William, I am dismissed I suppose. If you are sick orrequire anything, knock at Clarence's door. I shall be there. Goodnight."
"Good night."
She went quietly into Clarence's room and lit a lamp. She went to a hallcloset and took a soft merino wrapper, came back, locked her door,undressed herself, put the wrapper on, and sat by the window to think.
"What fools men are? Such small vanity guides them. To think thatWilliam should fling away happiness at the instigation of a reptile likeGasbang! And you, my sweet boy, my darling Clarence, how will thisaffect your happiness?" This thought gave her the keenest pain.
While Mrs. Darrell was thus sadly meditating, her angry lord was nearlychoking with smothered rage--intensified a hundred fold by hisdisappointment at being left alone without his adored, worshipped Mary.Mrs. Darrell knew that her husband loved her, but she had never guessedthat torrent of passion and devotion which rushed through that ruggednature like a river plunging from Yosemite hights into unknown abysmaldepths.
Why would he not yield to her sweet entreaties to bathe and take hiscomfort? Was it all perverse obstinacy? Partly, yes. He had refused awarm bath and her sweet society, for the very reason that those two werethe things he most desired on earth--he felt as if even his bonesclamored for them. But there was yet another equally strong motive inthat very complex nature--a motive stronger than obstinacy--compellinghim in spite of himself, and this was _his bashfulness_. He feared thathis wife might see the bruises on his arms and the heavy welt that heknew there must be around his body, made by the coil of the _reata_. Hefelt very sore, and his bruises became more painful, but he would ratherdie than let any one see his pitiful plight. And thus he sat up allnight and would not undress, or go to bed, or be comforted.
Towards morning he walked to the window and looked into the valley, thenhis gaze wandered towards the Alamar house. All the windows had theshutters closed and no light was seen from them excepting one. He didnot know what room that was or who occupied it, but unconsciously hewatched it--watched the light he could see through the lace curtains.The light became intercepted at regular intervals; so he concluded thatsome one must be going and coming before that light. He smiled, hopingthat the Don might be as miserable as he was--unable to sleep.
But the Don was sleeping. She who was awake, walking in her solitaryvigil, was Mercedes. Those beautiful blue eyes had never closed in sleepall night.
She had been embroidering a _mouchoir_ case for Clarence thatunfortunate afternoon of Darrell's performance, when she heard loudtalking in the piazza. At first she paid no attention to it and went onwith her work, hoping that Clarence would return early, because herdream troubled her. The talking becoming louder, and more voices beingheard, she felt alarmed, imagining that Clarence's horses had run awayand he had been hurt. She went out to inquire.
The entire Alamar family, as well as Mrs. Mechlin, George and Lizzie,were in the veranda. All had seen Darrell's attempt and subsequentsteeple-chase. Now Gabriel and Victoriano had returned and related whathad passed in the hollow. Victoriano was again overcome with laughter,which, being so hearty and uncontrollable, became contagious. EvenGabriel and Mr. Mechlin, who were less disposed to indulge in hilarity,laughed a little. Mercedes was the only one who not even smiled. She didnot understand a word of what was said. Gradually she began tocomprehend, and she stood motionless, listening, her pale lips firmlycompressed, her eyes only showing her agitation and how grieved she was;their dark-blue was almost black, and they glowed like stars.
"Cheer up, little pussy. When Clarence comes he will undeceive the oldman, and all will be right," said Don Mariano, putting his arms aroundher yielding form and drawing her to his heart.
"_Palabra suelta, no tiene vuelta_," Dona Josefa said. "Darrell cannever recall his insulting words."
"But he can apologize for them," Don Mariano said.
"And would that satisfy you?" Carlota asked.
"It would have to," was the Don's answer.
"Oh! papa!" Rosario exclaimed.
"What then? Shall I go and shoot the old fool?"
"I believe he would enjoy that, he is so full of fight," Victorianosaid, recommencing his laughing.
"I fear his anger will not abate as long as the bruises of the _reata_remain painful," Gabriel said, thoughtfully.
"Did you draw the _lazo_ very tight?" Don Mariano asked.
"Not intentionally, but he himself did so by stooping forward as hishorse galloped. Every time he did so the noose became more closely drawnuntil he could scarcely breathe."
"This is a bad business, George," the Don said to his son-in-law, whohad remained a silent listener to all.
"Yes, sir; but let us hope that between Clarence and Mrs. Darrell theywill pacify the old man. The thing now is to give him time to cool offhis anger," George replied.
"If those squatters could be kept away, Darrell would come to his sensesmuch sooner," Mr. Mechlin said.
"That's it exactly," Gabriel added; "they make the mischief."
"But why does he allow it?" Dona Josefa said.
"Because he loves the smell of gunpowder, and they are full of it," Tanoexplained.
"I think Mrs. Darrell ought to prevent those horrible creatures frominvading her house," Carlota said.
"They only go to the 'colony.' The old buster wants them there. He wouldsmash the furniture if his pets were not allowed to come to lick hisboots," Victoriano asserted,
positively.
"You don't speak very respectfully of your future father-in-law," Georgesaid to Victoriano, laughing.
"Not at present. Not when I have just seen him running away like achicken thief, just caught with a turkey under each arm," Tano replied,lapsing into another fit of laughter.
"Oh, Tano! if you care for Alice, how can you so ridicule her father?"Mercedes exclaimed, speaking for the first time. And without waiting fora reply, she turned away and went to her room.
There she remained inconsolable, her lovely face often bathed in tears.She did not go to bed; she hoped that Clarence might possibly havefinished his business in town and hurried back. She watched for thefaintest sound all night.
In the morning Madame Halier came to see her, and immediately went toreport to Dona Josefa the state of Mercedes' eyes. Don Mariano came inat once and took his pet in his arms.
"Papa, you said you were going to-day. Please don't go," she begged.
"Why not, my pet? I shall go only a little ways with those stupidIndians who keep letting the cattle turn back. I shall return beforedark," he said, smoothing her golden hair.
"Papa, please don't go. I want you to be here when Clarence returns. Letthe cattle be. I want you here. You may never see Clarence again in thisworld if you go." And she put her pale cheek against her father's andsobbed convulsively.
"What an idea! Why shouldn't I see Clarence again if I ride one or twomiles? My baby darling, you are too nervous. You have cried all night,and now your mind is in a whirl of sad visions. Do not exaggerate themischief that Darrell might do. He will probably say very insultingthings to Clarence, but Clarence is as true as steel, and has a veryclear head."
"I know that. I am sure of him. He is so true. But, papa, can I marryhim after what his father said to you, and when he tried to strike you?Can I marry him after that, papa?"
"Why not, pray? What he said is an infamous lie, and because Darrellchooses to indulge in mean thoughts and atrocious language, is that areason why you and Clarence should be made wretched for life? If Darrelldid not permit men like Gasbang, and others influenced by Peter Roper,to come near him, his ears would not hear such low, vulgar suggestions.As long as we know that Clarence is a gentleman, and he behaves as such,I shall not permit that you two be separated by anything that Darrellmay do or say."
"But, papa, you will keep out of Mr. Darrell's way."
"Certainly, my poor little darling. Don't be afraid; Darrell will notattack me again."
The Don talked in this consoling and reassuring way to his favoritechild until he saw that he had quieted her. She promised to eatbreakfast and then try to sleep.
"It won't do to look at Clarence through such swollen orbs. You hadbetter let Tano give you one of his graphic accounts of the battle ofAlamar, as he calls Darrell's performance, and make you laugh."
"No, I couldn't laugh. I wouldn't if I could."
"Very well. To sleep is the best for you."
He kissed her and soon after he and Gabriel went on their way. Theyquickly overtook the herders, who were driving the lot of cattle whichhad started at daylight. The Don was confident of returning at sundown,and glad to leave Mercedes more contented and hopeful, he rode awaycheerfully.