The man is as mad as
Don Quixote; it is impossible to conceal his eccentric impertinence
and interference from strangers, who can not understand his
confidential position in our house or his long service. There are
no more mayordomos, child. The Vallejos, the Briones, the Castros,
do without them now. Dr. West says, wisely, they are ridiculous
survivals of the patriarchal system."
"And can be replaced by intelligent strangers," interrupted Maruja,
demurely.
"The more easily if the patriarchal system has not been able to
preserve the respect due from children to parents. No, Maruja!
No; I am offended. Do not touch me! And your hair is coming down,
and your eyes have rings like owls. You uphold this fanatical
Pereo because he leaves YOU alone and stalks your poor sisters and
their escorts like the Indian, whose blood is in his veins. The
saints only can tell if he did not disgust this Captain Carroll
into flight. He believes himself the sole custodian of the honor
of our family--that he has a sacred mission from this Don Fulano of
Koorotora to avert its fate. Without doubt he keeps up his
delusions with aguardiente, and passes for a prophet among the
silly peons and servants. He frightens the children with his
ridiculous stories, and teaches them to decorate that heathen mound
as if it were a shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows. He was almost rude
to Dr. West yesterday."
"But you have encouraged him in his confidential position here,"
said Maruja.
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