The Senora was so happy in his presence, and she had such kind confidences to give him about her plans for her children's future, that he could not bear to alarm her.

And the children also were so full of youth's enthusiasms and love's sweet dreams.

Till the last moment why should he awaken them?
And as the strongest mental element in a home gives the tone to it, so Dare and Antonia, with the doctor behind them, gave to the Mexican household almost an American freedom of intercourse and community of pleasure.
The Senora came to the parlor far more frequently, and in her own apartments her children visited her with but slight ceremony.

They discussed all together their future plans.

They talked over a wonderful journey which they were to take in company to New Orleans, and Washington, and New York, and perhaps even to London and Paris--"who could tell, if the Senora would be so good as to enjoy herself ?" They ate more together.