ed
his commision{sic} and was thrown into prison. He has a long bill
against Santa Anna."

"We must not forget, Luis," said the Senora with a little flash of her
old temper, "that Santa Anna represents to good Catholics the triumph of
Holy Church."

Luis devoutly crossed himself. "I am her dutiful son, I assure you,
Senora--always."

A warning glance from Antonia changed the conversation. There was plenty
to tell which touched them mainly on the side of the family, and the
Senora listened, with pride which she could not conceal, to the exploits
of her husband and sons, though she did not permit herself to
confess the feeling. And her heart softened to her children. Without
acknowledging the tie between Isabel and Luis, she permitted or was
oblivious to the favors it allowed.

Certainly many little formalities could be dispensed with, in a meeting
so unexpected and so eventful. When the pleasant impromptu meal was
over, even the Senora had eaten and drunk with enjoyment. Then Luis set
the table behind them, and they drew closer to the fire, Luis holding
Isabel's hand, and Antonia her mother's. The Senora took a cigarette
from Luis, and Isabel sometimes put that of Luis between her rosy
lips. At the dark, cold midnight they found an hour or two of sweetest
consolation. It was indeed hard to weary these three heart-starved
women; they asked question after question, and when any brought out
the comical side of camp life they forget their pleasure was almost a
clandestine one, and laughed outright.

In the very midst of such a laugh, Rachela entered the room. She stood
in speechless amazement, gazing with a dark, malicious face upon the
happy group. "Senorita Isabel!" she screamed; "but this is abominable!
At the midnight also! Who could have believed in such wickedness? Grace
of Mary, it is inconceivable!"

She laid her hand roughly on Isabel's shoulder, and Luis removed it with
as little courtesy. "You were not called," he said, with the haughty
insolence of a Mexican noble to a servant--"Depart."

"My Senora! Listen! You yourself also--you will die. You that are really
weak--so broken-hearted--"

Then a miracle occurred. The Senora threw off the nightmare of selfish
sorrow and spiritual sentimentality which had held her in bondage. She
took the cigarito from her lips with a scornful air, and repeated the
words of Luis:

"You were not called. Depart."

"The Senorita Isabel?"

"Is in my care. Her mother's ca