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.