The discipline of the troops was so lenient that Dare and Luis--one or both--were generally there in the evenings.
Their turns as scouts or watchman at the Alamo only made more delightful the hours when they were exempted from these duties.

As for the doctor, he had been released from all obligations but those pertaining to his profession, and Antonia, noticed that he spent every hour he could spare with the Senora.

For some reason, he appeared determined to strengthen his influence over her.
On Christmas Eve the old city was very gay.

The churches were decorated, and splendidly dressed men and women passed in and out with smiles and congratulations.

The fandangoes and the gambling houses were all open.
From the huertas around, great numbers of families had come to receive absolution and keep the Nativity.