th are costumed and equipped for the saddle; having
hats of vicuna wool on their heads, riding-whips in their hands, and
spurs on their heels; while in the courtyard below stand four horses,
saddled and bridled, champing their bits, and impatiently pawing the
flagged pavement.

Since all the saddles are such as are usually ridden by men, it may be
supposed only men are to be mounted, and that the ladies' horses have
not yet been brought out of the stable. This would naturally be the
conjecture of a stranger to Spanish California. But one _an fait_ to
its fashions would draw deductions differently. Looking at the spurred
heels upon the house-top, and the saddled horses below, he would
conclude that two of the steeds were intended to be ridden by the
ladies; in that style of equitation with which the famed Duchesse de
Berri was accustomed to astonish the Parisians.

The other two horses, having larger and somewhat coarser saddles, are
evidently designed for gentlemen; so that the cavalcade will be
symmetrically composed--two and two of each sex.

The gentlemen have not yet put in an appearance; but who they are may be
learnt from the dialogue passing between the two ladies. From their
elevated, position they can see the rapidly growing city of San
Francisco, and the shipping in its harbour--north-east, and a little to
their left. But there are several vessels riding at anchor out in front
of them; one a warship, towards which the eyes of both keep continuously
turning, as though they expected a boat soon to put off from her side.

As yet none such has been seen; and, withdrawing her gaze from the
warship, Inez opens the conversation by a question--

"Is it really true that we're going back to Spain?"

She has been in California only a short time, since the death of her
father and mother, which placed her under the guardianship of Don
Gregorio. But though here, lovers have been all the while sighing
around her, she longs to return to her dear Andalusia. Therefore has
she asked the question with more than a common interest.

"Quite true;" says Carmen, giving the answer, "and I'm sorry it is so."

"Why should you be sorry?"

"There are many reasons."

"Give one."

"I could give twenty."

"One will be sufficient--if good."

"They're all good."

"Let me hear them, then."

"First of all, I like California--I love it. Its fine climate, and
bright blue sides."

"Not a bit brighter, or bluer, than thos