IQII

3 acts. IN THE EARLY DAYs of California when it was controlled by Mexico, Barbara, the daughter of wealthy rancher Don Francisco, is eagerly awaited by her father. She is returning from school. Paul Merrill is visiting the Don and falls instantly in love with Barbara, being himself devotedly loved by Natoma, an Indian girl. Alvarado, cousin to Barbara, wishes to marry her, and decides to take her away with or without permi ion. At the fiesta in the village Barbara begs off when asked to dance the pafuela with Alvarado. Castro then asks anyone to dance the dance with him, and Natoma accepts. This is a design of Alvarado’s to get the crowd’s attention on the dance so that he can abduct Barbara. However, Natoma sees Alvarado throw his serape over Barbara’s head, and sidesteps Castro to stab Alvarado. She is given sanctuary by the priest of the mi ion. She asks to become a nun and is granted the privilege. It is a umed that Barbara will be Paul’s. III. Synopses of Operas (Stories of the Operas) — J j