open
carriage to the Plaza would enable them to bow to their acquaintances,
and exhibit their last new dresses from New Orleans. Rachela was already
prepared for the excursion, and she was not long in attiring Isabel.

"To be sure, the siesta has made you look charming this afternoon," she
said, looking steadily into the girl's beaming, blushing face, "and this
rose silk is enchanting. Santa Maria, how I pity the officers who will
have the great fortune to see you this afternoon, and break their hearts
for the sight! But you must not look at them, mark! I shall tell the
Senora if you do. It is enough if they look at you. And the American way
of the Senorita Antonia, which is to bow and smile to every admirer,
it will but make more enchanting the becoming modesty of the high-born
Mexicaine."

"Keep your tongue still, Rachela. Ah! if you strike me, I will go to
my father. He will not permit it. I am not a child to be struck and
scolded, and told when to open and shut my eyes. I shall do as my sister
does, and the Holy Mother herself will be satisfied with me!"

"Chito! Chito!! You wicked one! Oh, Maria Santissima, cast on this child
a look of compassion! The American last night has bewitched her! I said
that he looked like a Jew."

"I am not wicked, Rachela; and gracias a Dios, there is no Inquisition
now to put the question!"

Isabel was in a great passion, or the awful word that had made lips
parch and blanch to utter it for generations would never have been
launched at the offending woman's head. But its effect was magical.
Rachela put up her hands palm outwards, as if to shield herself from
a blow, and then without another word stooped down and tied the satin
sandals on Isabel's restless feet. She was muttering prayers during the
whole action, for Isabel had been quick to perceive her advantage,
and was following it up by a defiant little monologue of rebellious
speeches.

In the midst of this scene, Antonia entered. She was dressed for the
carriage, and the carriage stood at the door waiting; but her face was
full of fear, and she said, hurriedly:

"Rachela, can you not make some excuse to my mother which will permit us
to remain at home? Hark! There is something wrong in the city."

In a moment the three women were on the balcony, intently, anxiously
listening. Then they were aware of a strange confusion in the subtle,
amber atmosphere. It was as if they heard the noise of battle afar
off; and Rachela, wit