"What funny things you say. I never been called fairy before."

"You have never been interpreted." And then, in the whirl-waltz of that
day, both lost their breath.

When the dance was over and they stood near Doña Eustaquia, he took the
fan from Benicia's hand and waved it slowly before her. She laughed
outright.

"You think I am so tired I no can fan myself?" she demanded. "How queer
are these Americanos! Why, I have dance for three days and three nights
and never estop."

"Señorita!"

"Si, señor. Oh, we estop sometimes, but no for long. It was at Sonoma
two months ago. At the house de General Vallejo."

"You certainly are able to fan yourself; but it is no reflection upon
your muscle. It is only a custom we have."

"Then I think much better you no have the custom. You no look like a man
at all when you fan like a girl."

He handed her back the fan with some choler.

"Really, señorita, you are very frank. I suppose you would have a man
lie in a hammock all day and roll cigaritos."

"Much better do that than take what no is yours."