His interests were largely centered in his hacienda in California, and however blue the day, he drew solace from the fact that he would soon be returning to that land of sunshine, where, God be praised, his daughter would soon be safely wed. Disquieting news at this time would have been too much, for Don Diego’s cup of misery was already overflowing, his daughter’s education proving a greater task than his gray hairs could manage. He paced his tastefully appointed study on this particular night, agitation and worry plainly written upon his handsome face. He paused as someone knocked for admission. In reply to his command to enter, the door opened to admit a middle-aged woman. Quietly closing the door behind her, she hesitated, in evident embarrassment, before speaking. Don Diego sensed her confusion. “No need to ask,” he exclaimed. “You bring bad news.” The woman bowed her head unhappily.
