From The Squatter and the Don by María Ruiz de Burton

The Squatter and the Don involves two families in San Diego in the 1870s. The Alamar family, headed by Don Mariano, has lived on a large ranch for decades. But since the Mexican-American War ended, settlers from the eastern United States have been occupying the Alamar’s land. In this excerpt, Clarence Darrell, the son of one such settler, runs into Señor Alamar’s son Don Victoriano.

“Good morning,” said Clarence, “I am glad to catch up with you, Don Victoriano. I have been wanting to speak to you.”
Victoriano bowed, saying, “Will you go to my house?”
“No, I'd rather not. I am not dressed to be seen by ladies. I would rather speak to you here.”
“You are going to build a large house, Mr. Darrell? ” said Victoriano, turning his horse so as to ride beside Clarence; “judging by the amount of lumber being hauled.”
“Yes; rather. We are a large family, and require a good deal of room. But before we do any more work I want to speak with your father. I want to ask him—ask him as a favor—and yet, as a business proposition”—he hesitated; he was evidently embarrassed; but Victoriano, not guessing the drift of his words, remained waiting silently, offering no assistance. “Well,” he continued, “I mean this: I don't like this fashion of taking people's lands, and I would like to pay to Señor Alamar for what has been located by us, but at the same time I do not wish my father to know that I have paid for the land, as I am sure he would take my action as a reproach—as a disclaimer of his own action, and I don't wish to hurt his feelings, or seem to be disrespectful.”