SAN ROSARIO RANCH.

CHAPTER I.

"Welcome her, all things youthful and sweet,

Scatter the blossoms under her feet!"

The house was a large square building, simpleand hospitable in appearance. A wideveranda ran about the four sides, heavily drapedby climbing roses and clematis. There wereindisputable evidences that visitors were expected.Old Tip, the dog, knew it as well as everybodyelse about the house. He had been routed outfrom his favorite spot on the sunny side of thepiazza, by Ah Lam, who had given him a shower-bathof water and soap-suds, because he did notmove away to make room for the scrubbing-brushwhich the white-clad Celestial pliedvigorously. From earliest morning the inhabitantsof the simple house had been busied in makingit ready. The very kittens which played aboutthe steps of the piazza had licked an extra glossupon their shining coats in honor of the expectedguest. Only Tip, the old hunting-dog, the spoiledchild of the household, showed no interest in whatwas going on, and with a cynical growl trottedoff to the woods behind the house, where hemight sleep safe from all fear of interruption.

From the wide doorway, which stood hospitablyopen, stepped a lady. At the first sight ofBarbara Deering, strangers were always stronglyimpressed with the indisputable fact that shewas above and before all else a lady. A secondlook,--and people were sure to take one,--andit appeared that she was a young lady and abeautiful one. She was tall, above the heightof ordinary women, and her carriage wasremarkably erect and commanding. She walkedwith a quick, light step to the edge of the piazza,and raising one hand to shade her eyes fromthe rays of th

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