"
"I know how valuable your time must be, as you are all business
men," said Hathaway, turning to his party, in an equally audible
tone; "but before you go, gentlemen, you must let me offer you a
little refreshment in a private room," and he moved naturally
towards the door. The rival fair, who had already risen at their
commander's suggestion, here paused awkwardly over an embarrassing
victory. Should they go or stay? The object of their devotion,
however, turned curiously towards Hathaway. For an instant their
eyes met. The young girl turned carelessly to her companions and
said, "No; stay here--it's the public parlor;" and her followers,
evidently accustomed to her authority, sat down again.
"A galaxy of young ladies from the Convent of Santa Clara, Mr.
Hathaway," explained Captain Stidger, naively oblivious of any
discourtesy on their part, as he followed Hathaway's glance and
took his arm as they moved away. "Not the least of our treasures,
sir. Most of them daughters of pioneers--and all Californian bred
and educated. Connoisseurs have awarded them the palm, and declare
that for Grace, Intelligence, and Woman's Highest Charms the East
cannot furnish their equal!" Having delivered this Parthian
compliment in an oratorical passage through the doorway, the
captain descended, outside, into familiar speech.
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