Father Norquin’s time was limited at Las Palomas, as he was under appointment to return to Santa Maria that evening.  Therefore it became an active morning about the ranch.  Long before we had finished the repairs on the windmill, a mozo from the house came out to the corrals to say I was wanted by the master.  Returning with the servant, I found Uncle Lance and the mistress of the ranch entertaining their company before a cheerful fire in the sitting-room.  On my entrance, my employer said:—­

“Tom, I have sent for you because I want you to go over with the padre to the jacal of Juana’s parents.  Father Norquin here is such an old granny that he believes I interfered, or the reply of last summer would have been favorable.  Now, Tom, you’re not to open your mouth one way or the other.  The padre will state his errand, and the old couple will answer him in your presence.  Don Blas will remain here, and whatever the answer is, he and I must abide by it.  Really, as I have said, I have no interest in the match, except the welfare of the girl.  Go on now, Father, and let’s see what you can do as a padrino.”

As we arose to go, Miss Jean interposed and suggested that, out of deference to Father Norquin, the old couple be sent for, but her brother objected.  He wanted the parents to make their own answer beneath their own roof, unembarrassed by any influence.  As we left the room, the old matchmaker accompanied us as far as the gate, where he halted and said to the padre:—­

“Father Norquin, in a case like the present, you will not mind my saying that your wish is not absolute, and I am sending a witness with you to see that you issue no peremptory orders on this ranch.  And remember, that this old couple have been over thirty years in my employ, and temper your words to them as you would to your own parents, were they living.  Juana was born here, which means a great deal, and with the approval of her parents, she’ll marry the man of her choice, and no padrino, let him be priest or layman, can crack his whip on the soil of Las Palomas to the contrary.  As my guest, you must excuse me for talking so plain, but my people are as dear to me as your church is to you.”

As my employer turned and leisurely walked back to the house, Father Norquin stood stock-still.  I was slightly embarrassed myself, but it was easily to be seen that the padre’s plans had received a severe shock.  I made several starts toward the Mexican quarters before the priest shook away his hesitations and joined me.  That the old ranchero’s words had agitated him was very evident in his voice and manner.  Several times he stopped me and demanded explanations, finally raising the question of a rival.  I told him all I knew about the matter; that Fidel, a new vaquero on the ranch, had found favor in Juana’s eyes, that he was a favorite man with master and mistress, but what view the girl’s parents took of the matter I was unable to say.  This cleared up the situation wonderfully, and the padre brightened as we neared the jacal.