f
Isabel's shining eyes and enthusiastic interest, she did not notice the
air of thoughtfulness which had settled over her husband's face, nor yet
Antonia's ill-disguised weariness and anxiety.

On the night of the Valdez's party her father had said he would talk
with her. Antonia was watching for the confidence, but not with any
great desire. Her heart and her intelligence told her it would mean
trouble, and she had that natural feeling of youth which gladly
postpones the evil day. And while her father was silent she believed
there were still possibilities of escape from it. So she was not sorry
that he again went to his office in the city without any special word
for her. It was another day stolen from the uncertain future, for the
calm usage of the present, and she was determined to make happiness in
it.

When all was still in the afternoon Isabel came to her. She would not
put the child to the necessity of again asking her help. She rose at
once, and said:

"Sit here, Iza, until I have opened the door for us. Then she took a
rich silk kerchief, blue as the sky, in her hand, and went to the wide,
matted hall. There she found Rachela, asleep on a cane lounge. Antonia
woke her.

"Rachela, I wish to go into the garden for an hour."

"The Senorita does the thing she wants to, Rachela would not presume to
interfere. The Senorita became an Americano in New York."

"There are good things in New York, Rachela; for instance, this
kerchief."

"That is indeed magnificent!"

"If you permit my sister to walk in the garden with me, I shall give it
to you this moment."

"Dona Isabel is different. She is a Mexicaine. She must be watched
continually."

"For what reason? She is as innocent as an angel."

"Let her simply grow up, and you will see that she is not innocent as
the angels. Oh, indeed! I could say something about last night! Dona
Isabel has no vocation for a nun; but, gracias a Dios! Rachela is not
yet blind or deaf."

"Let the child go with me for an hour, Rachela. The kerchief will be so
becoming to you. There is not another in San Antonio like it."

Rachela was past forty, but not yet past the age of coquetry. "It will
look gorgeous with my gold ear-rings, but--"

"I will give you also the blue satin bow like it, to wear at your
breast."

"Si, si! I will give the permission, Senorita--for your sake alone. The
kerchief and bow are a little thing to you. To me, they will be a great
adornment. You are