Suzanna Read Online Free PDF Page B

has some affection for Chiquita, and that he recognizes the engagement existing between them these many years. When the time arrives for the ceremony, he may forget Suzanna entirely for one who is more beautiful and his equal in culture and blood. Remember, too, Fernando,” she went on, turning to her husband, “that Ramon has not seen Chiquita in nearly two years. The girl must have improved wonderfully, and when she comes back from the south with the glamour of the capital fresh upon her she may sweep the boy off his feet.”
    Don Fernando seemed little impressed by these words.
    â€œYou know,” the Doña continued, “that in Chiquita’s absence Suzanna has been the only personable girl the boy has come in contact with day after day.”
    â€œExcepting yourself, my sweetheart,” the don complimented her.
    â€œAh, thou flatterer,” the señora murmured, but well pleased nevertheless. “But really, I think. we worry too much.”
    â€œI cannot help worrying,” confessed the don, once again serious. “Something here”—placing his hand over his heart—“tells me that there are difficulties ahead.”
    â€œThere is an old Spanish proverb, querido ,” the doña replied, “which is, in effect, ‘wind, women and fortune soon change.’ You do not know Suzanna’s feelings, and even though they are more than impersonal with respect to our Ramon, some dashing vaquero may come along and woo and win her in a day.”
    â€œAh, would that I were so optimistic!” the don cried feelingly.
    â€œPardon, señor,” murmured the attorney, injecting his suave presence into the conversation. “I feel as the señora feels: that when the time for the wedding arrives Don Ramon will not only be ready to respect your wishes that he marry Don Diego’s only child, but eager to. However, to make certain that Suzanna will in no wise interfere with the marriage, I suggest that you send her away for a few years.”
    â€œThat is impossible,” Señor Gutierrez declared. “I——”
    â€œAh, but it is not, señor,” Alvarez interrupted quickly. “She is personable, you say? And possessed of intelligence? Very well,—then why not send her to the Mission at San Luis Bautista, and place her under the care of the good Padre Altado. Under his merciful and guiding hand, Suzanna can receive that which not one out of ten thousand peons have—an education.
    â€œTwo years must necessarily elapse before she returns. Meanwhile, Don Ramon will have wed, and—who knows?—have been blessed with a son and heir to the vast estates of Gutierrez and De Sola, which naturally are joined by the wedding.”
    â€œJust the thing, Alvarez,” Don Fernando exclaimed excitedly. “The girl shall leave within the week. But how shall I inform her that she is going, and the reason for it?”
    â€œWait for a propitious moment, my friend,” Alvarez warned, “then, as though rewarding her for some service, tell her. Surely Ramon will not object. If he is anticipating marriage with her, then he would have a woman of some culture and refinement—something she is not now. Her mental education is of small moment: so few women of to-day—be they daughters of dons or of peons—are interested in aught else than to be able to look their prettiest, to act the coquette at all times, or to out-step their sisters when dancing the jota . Therefore, you can impress the fact upon both Ramon and Suzanna that because of her beauty and intelligence, she is to be given an opportunity to compete with her more fortunate sisters. It will he a tactful move, and one that will not commit you in any direction.”
    â€œCapital!” Ramon’s father cried enthusiastically. “You are a very wise lawyer, my Alvarez. Suzanna shall go to San Luis Bautista!”
    â€œBut Ramon,” Alvarez