Hear me out, please," he added, with a gentle, half-deprecating gesture, as she lifted the beautiful scorn of her eyes to his.

"I have just heard that your neighbor, Don Jose Santierra, of Los Gatos, is on his way to this house.

He once claimed this land, and hated your husband, who bought of the rival claimant, whose grant was confirmed.

I tell you this," he added, slightly flushing as Mrs.Tucker turned impatiently away, "only to show you that legally he has no rights, and you need not see him unless you choose.

I could not stop his coming without perhaps doing you more harm than good; but when he does come, my presence under this roof as your legal counsel will enable you to refer him to me." He stopped.