. . Ah, Frenchy, that is why the Germans will finally
overwhelm you. You see it, right here. That bandit has a son, while you,
after four years of marriage . . . nothing. I want a grandson!--do you
understand THAT?"
And in order to console himself for this lack of little ones around his
own hearth, he betook himself to the ranch of his overseer, Celedonio,
where a band of little half-breeds gathered tremblingly and hopefully
about him.
Suddenly China died. The poor Misia Petrona passed away as discreetly as
she had lived, trying even in her last hours to avoid all annoyance for
her husband, asking his pardon with an imploring look for any trouble
which her death might cause him. Elena came to the ranch in order to see
her mother's body for the last time, and Desnoyers who for more than
a year had been supporting them behind his father-in-law's back, took
advantage of this occasion to overcome the old man's resentment.
"Well, I'll forgive her," said the ranchman finally. "I'll do it for the
sake of my poor wife and for you. She may remain on the ranch, and that
shameless gringo may come with her."
But he would have nothing to do with him. The German was to be an
employee under Desnoyers, and they could live in the office building as
though they did not belong to the family. He would never say a word to
Karl.
But scarcely had the German returned before he began giving him orders
rudely as though he were a perfect stranger.
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