From The Squatter and the Don by Maria Ruiz de Burton
The Squatter and the Don involves two families in Diego in the 1870s. The Alamar family, headed by Don Mariano, has lived on a large ranch
for decades. But since the Mexican-American War ended, settlers from the eastern United States have been occupying the Alamar's land. In this
excerpt, Clarence Darrell, the son of one such settler, runs into Señor Alamar's son Don Victoriano.
"Good morning" said Clarence. "I am glad to catch up with you. Don Victoriano. I have been wanting to speak to you."
Victoriano bowed, saying "Will you go to my house?"
"No, I'd rather not. I am not dressed to be seen by ladies. I would rather speak to you here."
"You are going to build a large house, Mr. Darrell?" said Victoriano, turning his horse so as to ride beside Clarence; judging by the amount
of lumber being hauled."
Yes, rather. We are a large family, and require a good deal of room. But before we do any more work I want to speak with your father. I
want to ask him-ask him as a favor--and yet, as a business proposition --he hesitated; he was evidently embarrassed; but Victoriano, not
guessing the drift of his words, remained waiting silently, offering no assistance. "Well," he continued. "I mean this: I don't like this fashion of
taking people's lands, and I would like to pay to Señor Alamar for what has been located by us, but at the same time I do not wish my father to
know that I have paid for the land, as I am sure he would take my action as a reproach-as a disclaimer of his own action, and I don't wish to
hurt his feelings, or seem to be disrespectful."
"understand, and I think my father will be willing to sell the land. He is at home now. Let us go up to see him."
"Had you not better speak to him, and make an appointment for me to see him to-morrow, or some other time? I'd rather not risk being
seen by the ladies in this blue flannel shirt and heavy boots. I look too rough-like a smuggler or a squatter, sure."
"1 can call my father to speak to you outside, so that the ladies need not see you. But if they should that needn't disturb you. They have too
much sense not to know that you would not be working in white kid gloves. Come on. The front veranda is empty. Mother and three of my
sisters are at the Mechlin's. Mercedes is the only one at home, and she is too busy with her embroidery in Madam Halier's room to come near
you I'll bring father to the front veranda."
Clarence and Victoriano tied their horses by the garden gate and walked to the piazza. The hall door was ajar. Clarence saw no ladies about
and felt reassured