University of Santa Clara - Redwood Yearbook (Santa Clara, CA)

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A Romance of Rancho Agradable A. J. Steiss, Jr. T was just at that period of the day when all man- ual labor, noticeably lags, and plowmen sleep amid the grass, where they are safe, both from the insects, and the eagle eye of the Spanish over- seer, that a slender, well-forme d fig- ure, in the elaborate dress of a Mexican caballero sat musingly upon a grace- ful, glossy Spanish charger, beneath the guardian oak of Rancho Agradable. A refreshing breeze from the mountain- side romped past, and cooled his heated brow; and the intermingled perfumes from field and forest and fragrant meadowland sent a thrill of pure de- light surging through his breast. His roving gaze followed every scene of thriving activity about the hacienda with an air of fervent expectation. His gently mellow ' eyes rested lovingly upon every manifestation of abounding wealth and contentment. New sources of interest arose on all sides of him and for the moment attracted his un- fixed attention. Finally, however, his glances, from uncertain ramblings about the quinta turned to an ex- ploration of the sunny yard and broad verandas, until they centered up- on a lithe and graceful figure, attired in white, woolen petticoat, and lace mantilla . A sunset glow was upon her dainty feat- ures, and a red rose in a strand of jet-black hair. Beside her lay a great bundle of linen, which she was busily engaged in drying and folding away. These, the young caballero recognized as the altar linens of the Church of Santa Clara de Asis, Avhich she washed for Padre Dominic every month. He quickly scanned the now deserted yard, and perceiving that no one was about, softly called Maria . The young Senorita gave no sign, but oia a repetition of the name, turned until she faced the caballero. Upon recognizing him, she gave a warning glance toward the patio upon her left, and shook her head. Then, seem- ingly indifferent, she turned about again, and continued as before with the drying of the linens. The young Senor, however, heedless of her expressive warning, impulsively repeated the name. Again the Senorita turned, and casting a quick, darting glance of ad- monition from her flashing eyes, brought her finger to her ruddy lips,

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Entered Dec. 18, 1902, at Santa Clara. Cal., as second-class matter, under Act of Congress of March 3, 1879 VOL. XIX SANTA CLARA, CAL., OCTOBER, 1919 NO. 1 The Redwood OMS have graved their story round my heart In mystic records of revolving years, Whose centuries of circles, like a chart, When pron e my form lies damp with forest tears, Shall pristine age reveal to questing seers ; For I am old as Greece ' s throne of art Or Rome ' s red yoke of war. Suhlime my part Religious in the scheme of things that are— My contemplation of the million spheres Which fleck yon ether like a spangled sea— My gratefulness that each celestial star, Divinely guided, joins with even a tree In praise of Him who writeth near and far His Authorship of all things else— and me! CHAS. D. SOUTH

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THE REDWOOD in a reproving plea for silence. He, nevertheless, with that impetuous, tur- bulent nature of a Spaniard, seemed about to advance into the grounds of the hacienda , but the maiden, dis- cerning his intentions, coyly fluttered just the lacy end of an altar linen at the fiery lover, and whilst he stood astounded at the unthinkable sacrilege, whisked into the nearest casa . After the bewildered young suitor had at last gotten over his astonish- ment, he gazed long and lingeringly upon the spot in w ' hich the fair Seno- rita had stood. The gaudy sombrero swung from his half-raised hand. His silk-black hair slightly rustled in a gust of wind. With his manly, handsome features, and tall, slight, muscular body poised as if for a portrait upon his glossy steed, he made a handsome pic- ture. A frown of restless petulance darkened his broad, smooth brow, but somehow a lurking smile of exultation seemed to flit about the corners of his delicate, thin-lipped mouth, until his entire countenance lighted up. Siid- denly a crimson rose-bud nodding at a tiny window of the central casa ar- rested his attention. Perceiving that it was the Senorita of the Rancho, who signalled to him, he waved his great sombrero toward the casement, and sprang from the plated saddle of his horse. But even as he started for the casa , the nodding, little rose-bud disappeared. Realizing, then, that to wait about the hacienda for the re- appearance of the Dona would be hope- less, he mounted his horse and reluct- antly began the ascent of the mountain trail. ' ' Maria ! The gruff Don Juan, that far renowned tyrant of Rancho Agrad- able summoned his gentle daughter to the patio , where he reposed upon an ancient lounge, of one of those intri- cately woven designs so common in older Spanish furnishitngs. Maria, all a-flutter, advanced to him and kissed him upon the forehead. What is it, padre? She lowered her pretty head, and dared not lift her eye- lids, lest she should reveal the modest blush of confusion and embarrassment, which crept over her at this moment. Are the linens and the laces for the Mission done at last, daughter? Senor Castello queried. I heard you but a moment ago enter the ' casa ' . No, padre, there are a few more yet to be dried. I came in to speak to Margarita about the evening meal. Have you taken your siesta? Yes, Maria, I have rested well. It is very thoughtful of you to ask. But what caused you to come with such haste into the front room. Surely the evening meal was not as urgent as that. Were you frightened? No, padre, I was not frightened. Maria was becomiing more and more confused as the questioning progressed. ' ' Maria, is it true that you came with such haste into the ' casa ' merely to in- struct Margarita in regard to supper? It is preposterous ! ' '