The Coolidge examiner., 1938-04-21

can, my good Angustias. for the
present" She patted the anxious
woman on the shoulder and walked
out into the sunshine again.
She became aware Of little fur
~ among the soldiers at the gate.
A man was riding into the enclos-
ure, his clothes and horse bright
spot of moving color. Across the
parade-ground he moved toward the
palacio, his mount curveting and
caracoling spiritedly. He pulled up
before the lady in the big chair and,
swinging off his hat, bowed low,
much to her surprise. Then she rec
ognized him.
1t was Captain Nicolas Soler,
whose face she remembered from
the evening before. He was all
smiles and bows. and made not an
unhandsome figure in his gay
clothes, raiment which looked rath-
er strange to Eulalia as she had not
been in California long enough to
become acquainted with the singu-
lar and characteristic style the Cal
ifornian gentlemen had adopted.
Greetings to you. Sonora la Cob
ernadora!" he cried. Il know your
Excellency is not receiving visitors
as yet, but l have made so bold as
to come and call nevertheless. You
will not be so unkind as to send me
away"
Eulalia smiled.
IF it is the custom of ladies in
California to receive early visits
from gentlemen while their hus-
bands are busy. suppose you may,
Captain Sober"
He dismounted and walked toward
her. He was short and broad for
his height, and Eulalia had rapid
impression that he looked like a
fighting rooster, with enormous sill
yer spurs Springing from his heels
like a game-cock's
Again he bowed tremendously
and kissed her hand. Then, when
the lady gave him permission, he
sat near her feet and leaned against
a post.
Il do not know what the customs
Of the ladies are in California" he
said chattily. Anything that you
may do, any precedent you may es-
tablish, will be followed by all the
women in the province. For you
are the First Lady, and the officers
wives will follow you. Oh, Of course,
they are ladies, too. Little ladies.
You are a grand lady. And now
California society will be changed
And if l have helped you make it a
social rule that poor bachelor Off.
GERS may call on the ladies while
their husbands are away. / think
that is very nice"
Eulalia was pleased. II think you
put a great responsibility upon me,
she said charmingly. But l must
admit l have no social aspirations
toward California. 1t would be ar
empty honor to be social leader
over some Indian girls-and some
soldiers women"
"Ah, Sonora la Gobernadora, but
you will be surprised at the socia
life that goes on here!"
Eulalia raised her brows.
Il will indeed. Is it possible?
What is there to do?"
well, we have picnics and bar
becueS in the woods around us here;
or on the beach, close by. is e
place where there are muSselS anC
CLAIMS to be gathered. We go there
the Indians gather the shellfsh, anc
we cook and eat them. Then we
have parties in the different little
houses-dancing, music. Or we Wis
it the Preside of Santa Barbara OF
of San Francisco, and have festas
All, indeed" he concluded with e
shade of sarcasm, I'VE are quite
gay"
Eulalia looked at him in surprise
Was it possible that he was actually
pleased with such bucolic pleas
ures?
But no receptions, no theaters
no opera-no music?" she asked.
Certainly not, Sonora la Gober
MADEIRA! Why, Sonora, do not be
lieve you realize that thiS"-and he
waved his hand about the preside
lis all there is to the capital o.
California"