XIV

THE MYSTERY OF SAN MIGUEL

“Do you think you will go to Shasta in Mr. Falconer’s private car?” Nick asked wistfully.

They were flying along together on the winds of the Bright Angel, Angela by Nick’s side, on the way to Paso Robles.  It was afternoon of the next day; Falconer and Mrs. Harland and Theo Dene had left Santa Barbara in the morning; and the sister and brother had been so pressing in their invitation that Angela had hardly known how to refuse, though not quite willing to accept.  Late that night, Mrs. Harland and Theo would arrive at Del Monte, where Falconer would join them, and in a day or two they would go on to San Francisco, where Miss Dene had already been visiting.  In Mrs. Harland’s maid, Kate had found a friend from her own part of “the ould country,” who had “come over” three years ago, and who had known Tim.  This meeting was such a joy, that Angela had fallen in with Mrs. Harland’s suggestion that Kate should go on to Paso Robles in Mr. Falconer’s car McCloud.  The girl would thus enjoy her friend’s society for several hours, and having arranged Mrs. May’s things in the rooms already engaged at the hotel, would await her mistress’s arrival that evening.  Therefore, Angela, Nick, and the little chauffeur had the Bright Angel to themselves for a run of a few hours through beautiful country, and a visit to the old Mission of San Miguel before arriving at Paso Robles.

“Do I think I shall go?” Angela echoed the question lazily, for she was happier this morning, and basking dreamily in the change, not troubling to wonder what had brought it about.  “I hardly know.  They were very kind to ask me.  Californian people seem so warm-hearted to strangers, and so hospitable, one can’t help feeling one’s known them for years instead of days. You are like that too—­otherwise I shouldn’t be here!  And I’ve almost forgotten to be surprised at myself for—­anything.  I like Mr. Falconer; Mrs. Harland, too; but he is what you said—­splendid.  I understand why you called him typically Californian.”

“I’m glad,” said Nick.  And he tried to be glad.  But he had not been told the romance of Mademoiselle Dobieski.  Falconer did not guess that Angela or Theo Dene knew it, though he proposed introducing Mrs. May to a “Polish lady, staying at Paso Robles.”  “Then, of course, you will go to Shasta, and they’ll take you to their place on the McCloud River.  They say Falconer’s house is the prettiest place of the sort in California.  Mrs. Gaylor’s never been, but she reads a lot about society folk and their doings in the papers.  You’ll sure have a good time.”

“Why do you say ‘you’?  They invited you, too.”

“Yes, and that was really kind,” Nick said.  “It isn’t ‘kindness’ to ask you, because ’twould be an honour to have your visit.  But they don’t want me.  I was asked only because I happened to be with you, and Mrs. Harland was afraid my feelings would be hurt if I was left out.”