He kissed the innocent face upturned to his, and forgave them, saying, “I, too, have been to blame; and, in future, I will go with you to all places, my darlings, where it is proper, and right for you to go.”
Snowdrop and Rosebud were delighted, and willingly promised never again to deceive “the dear papa;” and from that day there was mutual confidence and love between the young girls and the father.
After a time, when two brave and gallant knights sought of the father the hands of the fair señoritas in marriage, he answered, “Let the hearts of my dear children decide for you. My only wish is to see them happy.”
There was a great feast made at their marriage; and the old Spanish house, so long wrapped in seclusion, resounded with joyous music and the merry laughter of light hearts. Again old Miguel stood behind the door, and rejoiced to see his darlings loved, admired, and happy.
It was a dark rainy day in the land where the rain makes the winter, and the sunshine and blue sky the pleasant summer-time.
Through the Golden Gate, came the ship to the new city of hope, and all the people on board thought, “how happy and rich we shall become in the Gold Land. Though the city is now only a miserable place of tents and sand hills, one day how great it will be, and we shall live to see it. The fair Golden City.”
On the rude wharf stood the expectant crowd. To them the ship was the beautiful carrier-dove, with its white wings spread to bring them news of home.
“Perhaps there will be some one from the old home,” said a young man, with his brown eyes filled with eager longing. “The dark old Atlantic! how its breakers used to dash upon the rocks in sight of home. It was glorious. To-morrow will be Christmas! I wonder, will they remember all, as I do!”
By his side stood a great shaggy dog, who belonged to nobody.
He talked only in the dog language, but was very learned, and understood all the young man said. He was a wonderful dog, and had his thoughts. “I am my own master,” he said, “and that is pleasant--yet one likes to be cared for, and nobody cares for me. I shall get no news from home, and to-morrow will be Christmas. This is not as it should be; I must see to it.”
The great dog was getting quite out of temper, and, with a surly growl, he turned round so quickly, that he gave the young man a start.