It was as if they heard the noise of battle afar off; and Rachela, without a word, glided away to the Senora.

Isabel and Antonia stood hand in hand, listening to the vague trouble and the echo of harsh, grating voices, mingled with the blare of clarions, the roll of drums, and the rattle of scattering rifle-shots.

Yet the noises were so blended together, so indistinct, so strangely expressive of both laughter and defiance, that it was impossible to identify or describe them.
Suddenly a horseman came at a rapid pace towards the house, and Antonia, leaning over the balcony, saw him deliver a note to Rachela, and then hurry away at the same reckless speed.

The note was from the doctor to his wife, and it did not tend to allay their anxiety.

"Keep within the house," it said; "there are difficulties in the city.