"And have you reflected, children, that no other nation in the world cries it.

Only Spain and her children! That is because only men of the Spanish race are brave enough to fight bulls, and only Spanish bulls are brave enough to fight men." She was quite pleased with herself for this speech, and finding no one inclined to dispute the statement, she went on to describe a festival of bulls she had been present at in the city of Mexico.

The subject delighted her, and she grew eloquent over it; and, conscious only of 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.