sion.
Both now know why they were not received; a knowledge which, instead of
tranquillising their chafed spirits, but maddens them the more. The
thought of their sweethearts being escorted by these detested rivals,
riding along wild unfrequented paths, through trees overshadowing, away
from the presence of spying domestics, or the interference of protecting
relatives, beyond the eyes and ears of every one--the thought that
Carmen Montijo and Inez Alvarez are setting out on an excursion of this
kind, is to Francisco de Lara and Faustino Calderon bitter as deadliest
poison.

And reflection embitters it the more. The excursionists will have every
opportunity of wandering at will. They will become separated; and there
can be no doubt as to how the partition will be made; the older of the
two officers will pair off with Dona Carmen, the younger with Dona Inez.
Thus, they will ride unmolested, unobserved; converse without fear of
being overheard; clasp hands without danger of being seen--perhaps
exchange kisses! Oh, the dire, desperate jealousy! Even the dull brain
and cold heart of Calderon are fired by these reflections. They sting
him to the quick. But not as De Lara; for not as De Lara does he love.

After gazing for a while at the house--at the horses and grooms--at the
preparations that are being made for mounting--noting their magnificent
style--with a last glance such as Satan gave when expelled from
Paradise, the Creole drives the spur deep into his horse's ribs, and
dashes off down the hill the Californian after.

At its bottom they again come to a halt, being now out of sight of the
house. Facing toward his companion, De Lara says:

"We're in for a fight, Faustino; both of us."

"Not both. I don't think I'm called upon to challenge that youngster.
He's but a boy."

"He's been man enough to insult you; and, if I mistake not, you'll find
him man enough to meet you."

"I don't see that he _did_ insult me."

"Indeed; you don't? Sticking your horse, as if it were a pig, and
sending him off in a stampede that well nigh dismounted you; all before
the face of your lady-love--right under her eyes! You don't deem that
an insult, eh?"

"But you must remember I gave him provocation. At your bidding, I all
but rode over him. Looking at it in that light, he's in a sense
excusable for what he did. Besides, he only meant it as a joke. Didn't
you see, when it was all over, how he laughed at it?"

"Not a