And when she thought of him, she forgot in a moment to envy Dorette Valdez, or the senoritas of the noble house of Trespalacios.

And some sudden, swift touch of sympathy, strong as it was occult, made the Senora at the same moment remember her husband and her sons.

A real sorrow and a real anxiety drove out all smaller annoyances.

Then both her daughters wept together, until their community of grief had brought to each heart the solemn strength of a divine hope and reliance.
"My children, I will go now and pray," said the sorrowful wife and mother.

"At the foot of the cross I will wait for the hour of deliverance;" and casting herself on her knees, with her crucifix in her hand, she appeared in a moment to have forgotten everything but her anguish and her sins, and the Lamb of God upon whom, with childlike faith, she was endeavoring to cast them.