Some belated vaquero. Do you smoke, Senor
Commander?
Starbottle. At times.
Dona Jovita. With me. I will light a cigarette for you: it is the
custom.
COL. STARBOTTLE draws match from his pocket, and is about to light,
but is stopped by DONA JOVITA.
Dona Jovita. Pardon, your Excellency, but we cannot endure your
American matches. There is a taper in the passage.
COL. STARBOTTLE brings taper: DONA JOVITA turns to light cigarette,
but manages to blow out candle.
Dona Jovita. I must try your gallantry again. That is once I have
failed. (Significantly.)
COL. STARBOTTLE relights candle, business, same results.
Dona Jovita. I am stupid and nervous to-night. I have failed
twice. (With emphasis.)
COL. STARBOTTLE repeats business with candle. DONA JOVITA lights
cigarette, hands it to the colonel.
Dona Jovita. Thrice, and I have succeeded. (Blows out candle.)
Col. Starbottle. A thousand thanks! There is a--er--er--light on
the plain.
Dona Jovita (hastily). It is the vaqueros returning. My father
gives a festa to peons in honor of your arrival. There will be a
dance. You have been patient, Senor Commander: you shall have my
hand for a waltz.
Enter vaqueros, their wives and daughters. A dance, during which
the "sembi canca" is danced by COL. STARBOTTLE and DONA JOVITA.
Business, during which the bell of Mission Church, faintly
illuminated beyond the wall, strikes twelve.
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